Ambler's Act II Playhouse Gets $25K Coronavirus Grant

AMBLER, PA — Ambler's Act II Playhouse has gotten some much needed relief. The theatre will receive a $25,000 grant from the state as part of a new program aiming to help preserve museums and cultural organizations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The local theatre was among 164 institutions in 36 counties statewide to receive some of the $20 million in grant funding.

“This funding is rain in the desert for us at Act II Playhouse,” Act II artistic director Tony Braithwaite said in a statement. “We have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in income since March, but this assistance will allow us to ‘keep the lights on’ until we can welcome people back safely. What a great example of what government can do to help people through a crisis. Thank you.”

Around Montgomery County, Elmwood Park Zoo received $303,775, Pottstown's Steel River Playhouse received $25,000, and the John James Audubon Center received $29,000.

“Act II Playhouse brings joy to so many in this community, and it’s important for art and culture to continue playing key roles in our lives,” State Rep. Mary Jo Daley said. “There are many organizations and businesses hurting, and I will keep fighting to help bring in funding when and where it’s needed. I am hopeful this grant will assist this local theater company, a wonderful community asset and an anchor for the borough’s downtown to move forward.”

The local organizations were among the many in the state to lose operating revenue when the pandemic forced the economic shutdown.

Other eligible organizations for the funding include children's museums, historical sites, military or maritime museums, natural history museums, planetariums, science centers, orchestras, and more.