Bringing Books to Children Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary; Fantasy Theatre Factory and The Jim Moran Foundation Partner to Promote Literacy in Broward Schools
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – Fantasy Theatre Factory celebrates the tenth anniversary of its initial partnership with The Jim Moran Foundation for the Bringing Books to Children program in 2019. The initiative promotes literacy through the arts in underserved Broward County Title I elementary schools serving children in grades Pre-K through Second.
In partnership with The Jim Moran Foundation, FTF offers its award-winning theatre-for-young-audiences programming to over 20 schools annually. The flagship early childhood literacy program also includes the distribution of free program-related books to students, with more than 4,500 books distributed each year.
For the 2018-2019 season, FTF will tour with “Whales, Magic and Cheese… Oh My!” A cast of professional actors will travel to schools across the county to tell the story of Jojo, a great kid who overcomes bullying through his love for books. The story aligns perfectly with the goals of the initiative as it encourages a greater interest in reading, develops the imagination and helps children discover the confidence and self-esteem they need to overcome bullying. The performance is followed by an educational talkbalk and book distribution to every student in attendance.
“We could not be more proud of this flagship program in Broward County, and we could not be more thankful for the partnership of The Jim Moran Foundation in allowing us to serve these students in such a meaningful way,” said Larry Fields, FTF’s Executive Artistic Director. “It is especially poignant to us that more than ten years after his passing, Jim Moran’s spirit of giving back to his community continues to endure in such a beautiful way through his foundation’s support of programs like Bringing Books to Children.”
“Every child that is touched by this program, given the gift of their very first book and lit up by the excitement and joy that can only come from the arts – is a tribute to Jim’s lasting legacy of kindness, caring and loving community,” he added.
About Fantasy Theatre Factory
Fantasy Theatre Factory has been serving Florida since 1982. In addition to being the managing operator of the brand-new Sandrell Rivers Theater, FTF also performs in rural and inner-city schools, theatres, parks, hospitals, community centers and more across the entire state of Florida. Fantasy Theatre Factory presents more than 450 Florida programs reaching over 150,000 people each year. Fantasy Theatre Factory's mission is to make more quality theatre programs available to more people of all cultures and backgrounds. FTF also provides skilled circus performers for all types of events as well as theatre workshops for young audiences, both typical and individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Fantasy Theatre Factory is headed by Executive Artistic Director, Larry Fields, who has served with the company since 2006. Fantasy Theatre Factory programs are award winning. FTF has won the Miami-Dade Arts Educator of the Year Award, the 2013 Excellence in Direct Service to Children Award from the Miami-Dade Children's Trust, and the 2018 Remy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Theatre, among many others. For Fantasy Theatre Factory marketing materials and information, please contact Daniela Esteves, Marketing Director, daniela@ftfshows.com. Visit www.ftfshows.com.
About The Jim Moran Foundation
Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Foundation has invested more than $115 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, after school and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 – with efforts currently focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation’s significant funders are JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. It is located at 100 Jim Moran Blvd., Deerfield Beach, Fla. 33442. To learn more, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org or call (954) 429-2122.
Media Contact: Fantasy Theatre Factory, 6103 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127, Daniela Esteves, (305) 284-8800 ext 465, daniela@ftfshows.com - www.ftfshows.com
Theater Contact: Evelyn Gigiras Sullivan, Theater Manager, Fantasy Theatre Factory at the Sandrell Rivers Theater, evelyn@ftfshows.com, (305) 284-8800 ext. 464,
