Stage Left Players has been awarded a $7,769 grant from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) for Fiscal Year 2026. Productions are held at the historic Trinity Playhouse in Lisbon (pictured). (Submitted photo)

LISBON – Stage Left Players has been awarded a $7,769 grant from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) for Fiscal Year 2026. The grant was approved during the OAC board meeting on July 30, following a competitive application process and panel review.

This funding, made possible through the State of Ohio’s budget and the support of Gov. Mike DeWine and members of the Ohio General Assembly, will help Stage Left Players continue its mission to transform, inspire, and create community through the arts. The award contains no federal funding and consists solely of state dollars.

“We are deeply grateful to the Ohio Arts Council, Governor DeWine, and our state legislators for recognizing the importance of public funding for the arts,” said Kandace Cleland, executive director of Stage Left Players. “It’s a huge boost for our historic playhouse. With this support we can bring more stories to life, open the door to more young performers, and keep ticket prices affordable so everyone in our community can share in the joy of live theatre.”

The 2025-2026 Season 33: Grow with Us lineup includes:

Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Youth Production, Grades 5-9)

The Foreigner

Cinderella (Original K-8 Musical)

A Trailer Park Holiday (Original Holiday Show)

Princess Prudy’s Promise (Our version of The Frog Prince)

Once Upon a Time (SLP Silver Players, ages 55+)

Little Shop of Horrors

Plus two SPARK Storytelling events

Founded in 1992, Stage Left Players is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community theatre based in Lisbon, dedicated to nurturing performers, directors, designers, artists, and writers of all ages and abilities in a safe, inclusive space. The theatre produces seven mainstage shows annually — three of which are original works — and offers youth camps, school collaborations, and community storytelling programs.

For information about Stage Left Players, the upcoming season, or how to get involved, visit stageleftplayers.org