Haddonfield Plays & Players Supporting Low-Income Families

HADDONFIELD, NJ — Haddonfield Plays & Players is awarding 11 tuition scholarships to its OnStage Virtual Summer theater camp program to the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation, the theater group announced.

The Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation services low-income families in Brooklyn, NY. The scholarship recipients will be able to participate in live, virtual musical theater training and performance opportunities from July 20 to Aug. 14.

"I am thrilled we can offer this opportunity to these young and aspiring artists from the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation,” Haddonfield Plays & Players Education Director Megan Balne said. “All children should be given access to the arts, especially during a time like this where artistic expression is so vital to maintaining wellness. I am also happy for campers to have the opportunity to connect with children from other communities and create art together. If our camp had not gone virtual, this partnership would not have been possible as we would not have been able to have students come physically from Brooklyn to our theatre space. I am grateful for the technology and innovativeness of our teachers to bring a meaningful summer theatre experience online so we can reach new communities with our program."

Michelle Anderson founded the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation in response to her only child’s death by gun violence. During the coronavirus pandemic, the foundation’s services were expanded to help the community by providing personal protective equipment, food deliveries, and wellness and healing initiatives.

Many of the children serviced by the organization are home alone all day and could benefit from the creative outlet, stimulation and joy provided by art and theatre.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Haddonfield Plays and Players remain intentional and scholar centered. They continue to provide opportunities for social-emotional growth through their various engaging online activities,” MST Chief Communications Officer Xenia Barns said. “The Melquain Jatelle Anderson Scholarship is honored to partner with such an amazing and wonderful organization to extend their resources to our community.”

"Our OnStage Virtual program is innovative and designed to foster creativity,” Haddonfield Plays & Players President Dave Stavetski said. “We are proud to partner with the Foundation and thrilled at the opportunity to inspire the youthful artists of Brooklyn.”

Though the theatre’s in-person programming is currently dark due to the coronavirus, Haddonfield Plays &Players typically produces five Mainstage shows and numerous special programs throughout the year in addition to its educational programs.

To donate to this initiative, visit https://bit.ly/sponsorcamp.