The Lawrence Arts Center’s Performing Arts Program—home of the beloved Summer Youth Theatre (SYT)—is facing a pivotal moment.
As we continue to rebuild after the pandemic, we’ve made challenging decisions in order to sustain our programming, including difficult staff cuts. While performances remain vibrant and meaningful, they do not generate enough revenue to cover the costs of the production. We remain committed to ensuring that art is for everyone, because we believe that not only is everyone an artist, everyone benefits from art.
That’s why we’re launching the Ric & Jeanne Averill Performing Arts Fund, dedicated to sustaining and growing the Lawrence Arts Center’s acclaimed performing arts programming.
This fund has three critical goals:
- Paying professional artists who mentor and collaborate with youth participants.
- Underwriting productions to close the financial gap and make performances sustainable.
- Providing scholarships to ensure access for all, regardless of financial circumstances.
We are proud to kick off this fund on July 25, 2025 at SYT’s Alice By Heart, as we celebrate 52 years of Summer Youth Theatre. During this special evening, we will pay tribute to Jeff Sherr and Becky Sherr Christian—SYT alums whose lifelong careers in the arts were shaped by their time with Ric and Jeanne Averill—with our annual SYT Lifetime Achievement Award.
In honor of Jeff and Becky, their mother, Suzanne Sherr, has contributed a generous $4,000 inaugural gift—and is further amplifying its impact with an additional $1,000 matching challenge—doubling every dollar donated to help launch the fund.
If you’ve been moved by a performance…
If you or a loved one has found their voice through SYT…
If you believe young people deserve access to the transformative power of the performing arts…
Now is the time to give. Your donation—no matter the size—will make a lasting impact. Please consider joining us in recognizing Ric and Jeanne Averill’s legacy and supporting the future of the arts in our community.
Click here to make your gift today! When making your gift online, by check or other means, please write “Ric & Jeanne Averill Performing Arts Fund”.
Honor the legacy. Secure the future of Lawrence Arts Center’s performing arts programming.