The La Crosse Community Theatre’s commitment to inclusivity was put to the test recently when unexpected federal funding cuts threatened to cancel a production featuring children with disabilities.

The Big Bad Wolf nearly stopped the show, but the La Crosse community rallied, ensuring the Penguin Project would go on.

Erik Vose, executive director of the theatre, joined La Crosse Talk Tuesday to share how the project — which pairs youth with disabilities with peers in a fully staged theatre production — overcame the hurdle thanks to generous outside donations.

After four years participating in the Penguin Project, the theatre finally qualified for a $10,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant this February. But last month, funding was abruptly terminated because the production no longer aligned with the current administration’s priorities.

Facing a financial gap, the Penguin Project’s upcoming production, Big Bad Musical — a sequel to The Three Little Pigs — was at risk. Vose said the community’s response was overwhelming, raising twice the amount of the lost grant, securing funding not just for this year but next as well.

Vose encourages local supporters to attend the show June 13–15 at the Lyche Theatre. Tickets are available at www.lacrossetheatre.org or by calling (608) 784-9292.

The La Crosse Community Theatre&rsquo;s commitment to inclusivity was put to the test recently when unexpected federal funding cuts threatened to cancel a production featuring children with disabilities.
The Big Bad Wolf nearly stopped the show, but the La Crosse community rallied, ensuring the Penguin Project would go on.
Erik Vose, executive director of the theatre, joined La Crosse Talk Tuesday to share how the project &mdash; which pairs youth with disabilities with peers in a fully staged theatre production &mdash; overcame the hurdle thanks to generous outside donations.
After four years participating in the Penguin Project, the theatre finally qualified for a $10,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant this February. But last month, funding was abruptly terminated because the production no longer aligned with the current administration&rsquo;s priorities.
Facing a financial gap, the Penguin Project&rsquo;s upcoming production, Big Bad Musical &mdash; a sequel to The Three Little Pigs &mdash; was at risk. Vose said the community&rsquo;s response was overwhelming, raising twice the amount of the lost grant, securing funding not just for this year but next as well.
Vose encourages local supporters to attend the show June 13&ndash;15 at the Lyche Theatre. Tickets are available at <a href="http://www.lacrossetheatre.org" data-start="1465" data-end="1488">www.lacrossetheatre.org</a> or by calling (608) 784-9292.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.