The Live Theatre League of Tarrant Country has established a new relief fund for area theater artists and personnel affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund will provide a one-time grant of $250 to those associated with theater arts, including, but not limited to, directors, technicians, designers, choreographers, musicians, actors and support staff.

“We are a theater family, and while our theater are working through the artistic and financial challenges during this pandemic themselves, we are proud that we can support the individual theater artists, technicians and various staff that have lost financial resources during this time,” said Joe Brown, president of the board of directors, in a statement.

Brown said artists and personnel do not have to live in Tarrant County, but have to work for a Tarrant County theater.

Live Theatre League of Tarrant Country announced in a news release that applicants will be screened and authorized by a panel of producers from the organization. Depending on the number of applicants, it may take 5-7 business days for grants to be distributed.

The organization had Tarrant County theaters estimate how many people lost jobs in April and May. Bown said, about 500 actors, directors, designers, technicians, carpenters, crew and support staff have lost jobs in the county.

“With the applications already, this adds fuel to the fire to drive the need to continue to try and raise money,” Brown said.

The organization has started off with $15,000 but has set a goal to raise $125,000 from donations. Since Tuesday, July 7, Live Theatre League of Tarrant County has raised nearly $2,000 from credit card donations and received 70 applicants.

Theatre artists and personnel who lost work due to the pandemic can apply to the relief fund.

Got a tip? Email Mia Estrada at mestrada@kera.org. You can follow her on Twitter @miaaestrada.

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