Straker Foundation to Benefit Local Arts Organization

Homegrown Players is pleased to be the recipient of a J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation grant in the amount of $19,918. The receipt of this grant will allow HGP to become a mobile theater.

Construction will begin on a 20’ trailer capable of housing all of the structural elements necessary to stage a theatrical production anywhere in the county including both indoor and outdoor venues, such as local parks.

We are so excited to be able to bring a portable theatrical experience to the youth of Muskingum County. Having the opportunity to allow more young people the chance to find their voice and develop confidence in themselves is priceless. We truly couldn’t have realized this dream without the support of The Straker Foundation!- HGP President, Angel Palmer

Homegrown Players is a group that was conceived in 2007, organized in 2017, and eventually earned non-profit status in 2018, for the purpose of creating an opportunity for arts education in the homeschool community. Actors come from a pool of homeschoolers between the ages of 8 and 18. Currently HGP performs twice a year and hosts a summer camp for homeschoolers, but with the growth seen in the last couple of years the Straker Foundation gift will allow the organization to expand its reach into the community. In addition to the annual theater camp in June, with the assistance of The Friends of Secrest, HGP will be able to utilize the mobile theater to provide a community theater camp for youth. And watch for HGP to show up in local parks this summer for an outdoor theater experience. Information about upcoming events can be found at “Homegrown Players of Zanesville” on Facebook.