POWERGRAMS

In addition to engaging audiences through year-round performances and by growing highly acclaimed talent, RMTC serves the community through workshops, skill-building classes and outreach. "Red Mountain Theatre serves the city of Birmingham by enhancing the arts and culture opportunities for our community," said Alabama Power Birmingham Division Vice President Jonathan Porter. "Moreover, their educational programs and outreach in area schools empower our students by building confidence, creativity and essential career-building skills." Through the Outreach Residency program, performers tour Birmingham and Jefferson County schools in a partnership with Better Basics. The program reaches 13,000 students, many of whom have little or no exposure to the arts. The Outreach skill-building classes are nonauditioned four-week to six-week programs after school covering multiple facets of theater. In 2015, RMTC had an after-school program in three Fairfield city schools. The students studied the spring show, "The Wiz," and had the opportunity to perform with RMTC cast members. The superintendent of Fairfield City Schools provided buses for students to attend the RMTC Summer Workshop production of "The Wiz" at Berry Middle School. RMTC covered tuition, partnering with Better Basics, for students from across Birmingham. "We meet students where they are, to inspire them and help them be successful," said Cromwell. "The skill base they learn can be used in any career." RMTC received a 2015 Elevate grant from the Alabama Power Foundation, which the theater organization used to install a computer customer relationship management system. Updating the system enables the organization to better reach the community and donors. "Alabama Power goes beyond writing a check," said Cromwell. "They care about who we are as a successful organization and how to better what we are doing. I can't praise Alabama Power and the Alabama Power Foundation more for all that they do." RMTC has grown sevenfold in the past 13 years. "The community stands behind quality of life and arts, and culture is largely a part of that. Arts and culture touches everything. It's more than extracurricular, it's at the core," said Cromwell. "We believe in Birmingham, and we believe in the influence of arts and culture in Birmingham." For more information about attending a show at RMTC, its education opportunities and the impact it is making in Birmingham, visit www.redmountaintheatre.org. Scenes from the book and the musical were inspired by Birmingham, where Wallace grew up. 25

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