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Manistee, MI, September 7, 2021 – The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) establishes a new scholarship fund to support promising and deserving students who wish to participate in eligible RRCA arts education programs. The memorial scholarship fund honors the late James F. Galer, a lifetime educator and resident of both Grandville, MI, and later in retirement, Manistee. James taught mathematics at Zeeland High School in Zeeland, MI, for 38 years, later becoming department chair. The late James F. Galer and his wife Marilyn Galer loved west Michigan and were a part of the Manistee community. They were both involved as volunteers and especially loved music and the arts. Jim was involved with the Ramsdell Theatre as a docent, board member, and house manager.

“We are honored and grateful to Marilyn Galer for the opportunity to support children in Manistee,” said Xavier Verna, executive director of the RRCA. Funds raised will be placed in a fund where we can draw interest and offer scholarships in perpetuity. Individuals and businesses can invest cash, securities, or other assets into this fund. “As the fund grows, the more interest we can draw from it, the bigger the impact you can make,” added Verna. A separate announcement will detail the eligibility requirements for students to receive scholarship support.

The memorial scholarship is also a celebration of life. James F. Galer passed away two years ago on September 7, 2019. Scholarship funds and tribute gifts are a great way to honor the loss of a loved one. The RRCA is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and gifts to the scholarship fund and other tribute gifts are 100% tax-deductible.

The RRCA is now accepting donations for the James F. Galer Scholarship Fund. Please write checks to the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, or RRCA, and mail them to 101 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660.

Fill out the form below if you’re interested in making a gift of stock or mutual funds.

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Manistee, MI, April 30, 2021 – The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) is launching the inaugural Ramsdell Theatre Camp June 14 – 26, 2021. The camp is limited to 35 students. Registration is now open and the deadline is May 28 at 11:59pm. Students will meet Monday-Friday from 9am – 12:30pm at the Ramsdell Theatre for two weeks. A showcase at the end of the camp will feature students’ work during the camp. The showcase will be free for friends and family and registration is required. Attendance will be limited due to COVID-19.

“With COVID, we had to cancel the camp in 2020, even after things were in motion and students had already registered. It was sad, but necessary to hold off until this year,” said Xavier Verna, executive director of the RRCA. “We’re thrilled to welcome students to the theatre this year. The camp directors are a class-act and will no doubt develop a memorable and educational experience for all.”

“Students ages 12-17 are encouraged to join us as we dive into pre-professional training for the theatre,” said Program Director Erin Thompson. “Aspiring performers and theatremakers will learn how to utilize the techniques of acting, singing, and dancing, and apply their skills to the context of a fully produced showcase.”

The teaching artists include Erin Thompson and Abbey Siegworth. Erin Thompson (Program Director) is an award-winning Director, Choreographer, Equity Performer, and Educator. She is New York City based, and organically grown in the Midwest (Iowa). Erin received a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from The Boston Conservatory of Music. She spent the next 15 years performing professionally in commercial musical theater at nationally renowned regional theaters all over the country. Amidst her experience in over 40 Equity shows, she served as Dance Captain and Assistant/Associate (Director/Choreographer) on several of the shows, which would groom her for her latter career as a Director/Choreographer.

Abbey Siegworth (Associate Director) is so excited to join the team at Ramsdell Summer Theatre Camp. Originally from the Chicago area, she is currently based in Los Angeles.  Abbey has worked with Titan Theatre Company and Three Day Hangover (NYC); Clarence Brown Theatre; Nebraska Repertory Theatre; American Players Theatre; Dallas Theater Center as a member of the Brierley Resident Acting Company; Montana Shakespeare in the Parks; and several theaters in Milwaukee and Chicago.

Favorite recent roles include: the title role in Electra, Abigail (Abigail/1702), and Jennifer (The Doctor’s Dilemma). Abbey spent summer 2019 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the play Boswell; and stars in the independent film Stolen Season, currently available on Amazon and iTunes. She is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association. BFA University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana; MFA Southern Methodist University.  www.abbeysiegworth.com.

For more information about the camp, the COVID-19 guidelines, and to register, please visit www.RamsdellTheatre.org/Camp