Vectren helps support BAAC performance series

The Bloomington Area Arts Council experienced a stroke of good fortune this summer as the staff prepared for the BAAC 2004-2005 performance series. On July 28, Bob Rogge, regional manager of Vectren Gas Company presented Kaira Hogle, performance director, and Diana Corrigan, development and marketing director, with a $1,000 check to go toward the 2004-2005 performance series. This is the second year Vectren has presented the BAAC with money to help support the series. Last year, the BAAC was awarded $500 dollars from the Foundation. Corrigan said she thinks Vectren has decided to give to the program because of its commitment to the community. \n"I think ... they believe in the program, and by giving the award, they are supporting their customers in two different ways: by helping to enhance the community and supporting the BAAC," Corrigan said. \nRogge, the person responsible for administering the Vectren Foundation grant to the Clarksville Region, said Vectren also supports the community by giving donations to several area programs and the BAAC stood out. \n"As such, I have tried to consider not only the information provided with a request, but also follow-up on which grants seem to have had a significant impact on the community. The Bloomington Area Arts Council meets this additional consideration," he said. \nThe BAAC performance series is a group of plays written by local playwrights that are performed throughout the year in the counties of Owen, Lawrence, Greene, Brown and Monroe. All performances in the series are held at the John Waldron Arts Center in downtown Bloomington. Hogle said helping to produce 18 plays in one season can get very expensive. The BAAC helps each group facilitate marketing, design and print materials, and sell tickets. \n"We're a non-profit organization, so our goal is to cover cost," she said. "Productions are very expensive to put on, and we couldn't do it without underlying support. At least your sure to break even."\nHogle also said the money not only helps produce the plays, but it allows for a better presentation. \n"Right now the floor is being refinished, so it helps showcase the plays in a better, more professional light," she said.\nLast year the BAAC received the money in the form of a donation, but this year it is more like a grant process. Corrigan said the BAAC is working on developing a close relationship with Vectren and Vectren has said they hope to work with the BAAC in the future. \n"We have a very positive relationship with Vectren, They care about the community," she said. \nCorrigan feels the program helps enhance the community by giving people a chance to go see a play by a local playwright.\n"It is our way of helping community programs who don't have space or funding," Corrigan said. \nThe BAAC picks each group through an application process based on talent and how much man power it will take to produce the play. Corrigan said the groups are judged on artistic merit, financial viability, targeted audiences, community involvement, educational value and technical requirements.\nThis year the BAAC is co-producing two new works -- "Loose Hog in the House of God" and "On How to Accommodate Marlo's Frying Pan." Both plays are written by local playwright Thomas Kristopher and Under the Billaim Tree productions. By adding new performances to the regular schedule, they are fulfilling their goal and the goals of Vectren, said Rogge. The BAAC also puts on two children's shows each year in addition to its regular schedule.\n"In terms of Bloomington specifically, we hope the grant will be used to support the Bloomington Area Arts\n Council's efforts to present the arts and thereby further enrich the Community"