Madison Ballet Awarded Grant for Production of “Dracula”

November 19, 2012 Press Releases

November 19, 2012 (MADISON, WI)  Madison Ballet has been awarded a $33,000 grant from the Madison Community Foundation for its upcoming production of “Dracula”, a contemporary rock ballet which will premiere at the Capitol Theater in Overture Center on March 8-10, 2013.

The grant will be used to offset the significant capital expenses required to build a new ballet from the ground up. ”Dracula” will be produced and performed by an entirely local creative team, and is an original work conceived  by Madison Ballet’s Artistic Director, W. Earle Smith.

Building on the popularity of vampire and Gothic themed entertainment, “Dracula” is aimed at engaging a younger audience for the Madison Ballet.  It will have an edgier, more contemporary,  feel and features an original rock score composed by local musician Michael Massey.  Madison Ballet also plans to market the production to regional promoters and other ballet companies to create new revenue and increase the organization’s visibility.

“We are ecstatic to receive this grant from the Madison Community Foundation,” said W. Earle Smith, Artistic Director for the Madison Ballet. “’Dracula’ is not going to be a traditional ballet—it’s completely out of the box. This support from the Madison Community Foundation is a wonderful opportunity for our organization to take our productions to a whole new level.”

The Madison Community Foundation will be recognized for their generous support on marketing materials for “Dracula” and on Madison Ballet’s website throughout the season.

Madison Ballet promotes appreciation and access to ballet by providing training and performing opportunities through professionally produced productions and educational initiatives.

For more information, contact Kim Straka at 608.772.7207 or visit www.madisonballet.org.