By Nita McCann

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Thanks to grant funding – including a $15,000 award from the Mississippi Arts Commission – Natchez Little Theatre will live to perform another day.

“The Little Theatre is a tremendous asset to this community,” said Layne Taylor, artistic and executive director for NLT. “We give locals the chance to showcase their talents.”

He added that the group works with local schools to expose their students to live theater.

In all, that $15,000 award is part of $1.34 million in grants given this year to the arts throughout Mississippi.

NLT, established in 1968, is continually looking out for new funding sources.

Natchez’s grant will go to funding the operations of NLT, one of the oldest community theaters in the state.

“The creative economy has never been more vibrant than it is today in the communities across Mississippi,” said Tom Pearson, MAC’s executive director.

“This agency is honored to play a small role in assisting these organizations to continue their work of reinforcing the value of the arts and the role they play in creative placemaking and economic development.”

According to Taylor, the theater does not just entertain, but brings diverse groups together for a common purpose.

NLT “has reached deep into the community bringing together old and young, black and white, rich and poor,” Pearson said.

That shows in the diversity of productions the theater puts on each year, Pearson said, noting that the theater has a positive impact on the entire community.

The NLT will perform two plays during Spring Pilgrimage: “Little Women,” starting March 6, and “Southern Exposure,” starting March 7.

Tickets are $15. For more information, call NLT at (601) 442-2233.