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Home My WebLink About2025-596-E-County Mgr-Orange Community Players-2025-2026 Arts Grants GRASSROOTS ARTS PROGRAM / ARTIST PROJECT GRANT 2025-26 Grantee Name Authorizing Official Name Email Project Title Award $ Grant Category ☐Grassroots Arts Program ☐Artist Project Grant Program Funding Source ☐North Carolina Arts Council ☐Orange County Grant project period July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 As Authorizing Official, I acknowledge the following terms and understand if they are not met, I jeopardize future funding opportunities from the Orange County Arts Commission. I understand a Compliance Score is issued for future grants based on my adherence to the following terms: OCAC Report Due July 10, 2026 Multicultural Spending Grantee must spend $ on the hiring of multicultural artists as specified in the grant application. Crediting and logo usage All grantees must properly credit the Orange County Arts Commission using the proper logo on all publicity materials for the funded program. Recipients of operations-related grants must include the OCAC logo with link to www.artsorange.org on grantee’s website. If funding source is listed as N.C. Arts Council above, grantee must also properly credit the N.C. Arts Council using the proper logos and N.C. Arts Council credit line on all publicity materials for funded program. Download logos on the OCAC website at https://artsorange.org/grants/grantee-resources. Calendar Listing Grantee must enter all events, exhibits, and performances open to the public and related to this grant award on the Orange County Arts Commission website at www.artsorange.org/events. meganhughes789@gmail.com Seussical X Megan Hughes 3,750.00 Orange Community Players, Inc X Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C 1 Revised August 2025 ORANGE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION 2025-26 GRANT AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 5 day of September, 2025, by and between Orange County ("County"), by and through the Orange County Arts Commission ("Arts Commission") and ("Grant Recipient"). WHEREAS, the Arts Commission is a countywide arts agency that ensures the growth of local arts experiences by providing funding and support for diverse high quality programs and projects. WHEREAS, the Arts Commission administers the annual Grants Program to provide economic opportunities to Orange County artists and non-profit organizations coordinating arts projects benefiting the citizens of Orange County. WHEREAS, the annual Arts Grants Program is supported by Arts Commission with funds from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, a state agency. WHEREAS, the Grant Recipient was selected by the Arts Commission to receive the annual Arts Grant through the procedures duly adopted by the Arts Commission; and WHEREAS, both parties wish to promote and maintain the integrity and clarity of the Grant Recipient's ideas and statements and delineate the Grant Recipient’s obligations to the County; NOW, THEREFORE, the County and the Grant Recipient, for the consideration and under the conditions hereinafter set forth, agree as follows: 1. Approved Grant Project. Grant funds are provided under this Agreement for the project (“Project”) described in the Grant Recipient’s Grant Application, attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A. 2. Grant Award. Grant funds in an amount not to exceed ($ ) have been awarded by the Arts Commission to the Grant Recipient for the approved Project. The Recipient shall be required to match funds at least dollar-for-dollar with cash from the Grant Recipient’s funds not derived from either Orange County appropriations or the North Carolina Arts Council, as outlined in the attached Exhibit A. 3. Contingency. This grant is contingent on North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Program funding to the Arts Commission. Final decisions on Grassroots Program funds to the North Carolina Arts Council are subject to approval by the North Carolina General Assembly. 4. Responsibilities of the Grant Recipient three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars Orange Community Players, Inc 3,750.00 Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C 2 Revised August 2025 A. Implementation. The Project implementation shall take place between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. The Project shall be implemented in the manner described in Exhibit A. Time is of the essence in the implementation of the Project. B. Modifications to project. Grant Recipient shall present major changes to the original proposal, including but not limited to changes in design, implementation schedule and increase in Project budget by more than 10%, in writing to the Arts Commission for approval. Arts Commission shall approve or disapprove Grant Recipient’s request for modifications within seven (7) days of receipt thereof. Consent to project modifications shall not be unreasonably withheld. Arts Commission’s decisions shall be in writing. In the event the Arts Commission fails to approve or disapprove the requested modifications within the time stated herein, the modifications shall be deemed approved. C. Non–assignment. The grant cannot be assigned or transferred to a different project or artist without prior written approval of the Arts Commission. D. Records. Grant Recipient must maintain records and other evidence pertaining to costs incurred and revenues acquired during the Project implementation. Grant Recipient shall maintain financial records pertaining to the Project for three (3) years from the date of this Agreement, in case of audit. E. Use of Funds. Grant Recipient shall not use the grant funds to repay outstanding taxes or other debts of any nature. The grants shall be utilized solely for the purpose described in the attached Exhibit A. F. Final Report. Grant Recipient shall submit to the Arts Commission a Final Report on July 10, 2026. The Final Report shall be in the format required by the North Carolina Arts Council. Failure to submit the Final Report or late submission of the Final Report, for any reason, shall be grounds for denial and/or cancellation of grant funds for the Project and future grant proposals. 5. Responsibilities of the Arts Commission A. Payment. The Arts Commission shall release the grant funds in the amount of $ to the Grant Recipient. 6. Publicity A. Acknowledgement. Credit must be given to the Orange County Arts Commission and/or the North Carolina Arts Council using the proper logo(s) and credit line in brochures, news releases, programs, and all other printed and online publications. Copies of such printed materials must accompany the evaluation report. Official Orange County Arts Commission and North Carolina Arts Council logos may be downloaded at www.artsorange.org/grantee-resources and may not be altered in any way. When no printed information is used, verbal 3,750.00 Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C 3 Revised August 2025 credit shall be given. In addition, all print and promotional material must include the following credit line and logo(s) (check all that apply): i. County Funds Only. Orange County Arts Commission logo required. Credit line required for audio projects: “This program is supported by the Orange County Arts Commission.” ii. North Carolina Arts Council Funding. The Orange County Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council logos are required. Credit line: “This program is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.” B. The Grant Recipient must enter all events, exhibits, and performances open to the public and related to this grant award on the Orange County Arts Commission website at www.artsorange.org/events. In addition, the Grant Recipient must add a link to www.artsorange.org (Orange County Arts Commission logo preferred) to their main webpage. 7. Indemnity. The Grant Recipient agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County, the Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council and their officers and employees from any and all claims or actual injury, damage or loss to a person, or real or personal property that results from or is in any way connected to the use of the grant funds. 8. Independent Contractor. The Grant Recipient is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent or other representative of the County and/or the Arts Commission. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create the relationship of principal and agent, or employer and employee, between Grant Recipient and Arts Commission or Orange County Government. Grant Recipient understands and agrees that he/she is not authorized to incur any expenses or any liability whatsoever on behalf of the County or the Arts Commission and has no authority, expressed or implied, to obligate or make representations on behalf of the County or the Arts Commission. In addition, Grant Recipient agrees to maintain his or her own worker's compensation insurance for himself/herself and his or her employees for the duration of the art work's installation. 9. Termination A. In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below (hereinafter referred to as “default”), the Arts Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement: (i) Any fraudulent representation in any verification required to obtain payment under this Agreement or other dishonesty on a material matter relating to the performance of services under this Agreement. (ii) Nonperformance, incomplete service or performance, or failure to satisfactorily perform any part of the Project or to comply with any provision of this Agreement, as determined by the Arts Commission in its sole discretion. X Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C 4 Revised August 2025 (iii) Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state or federal laws, regulations, or stated public policy. B. In the event of default by the Grant Recipient, the Arts Commission has the discretion to elect to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part and/or require the Grant Recipient to repay the grant funds within seven (7) from written notice of default or allow the grant recipient the opportunity to cure the default. This clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County’s or the Arts Commission’s remedies in law or in equity. 10. Miscellaneous. A. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the attachments contain the final and entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. All modifications and amendments to this Agreement shall be in writing. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their heirs, successors and assigns. B. Governing Law. Governing Law and Priority: Both parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina and Orange County. Grant Recipient shall at all times remain in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations including but not limited to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws, policies, rules, and regulations and the Orange County Non-Discrimination Policy and Orange County Living Wage Policy (each policy is incorporated herein by reference and may be viewed at http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php.). Any violation of this requirement is a breach of this Agreement and Arts Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement without further obligation on the part of the Arts Commission. This paragraph is not intended to limit and does not limit the definition of breach to discrimination. By executing this Agreement the Grant Recipient certifies that they has not been identified, and has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.58. By executing this Agreement the Grant Recipient certifies that they has not been identified, and has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.81. By executing this Agreement Grant Recipient affirms they are and shall remain in compliance with Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. In determining the basic services to be provided, should any documents be referenced in or attached to this Agreement, the terms herein shall have priority in any conflict between the terms of referenced documents and the terms of this Agreement. C. Dispute Resolution: Neither party may initiate binding arbitration. Any disputes shall be resolved by nonbinding mediation. If such mediation fails either party may initiate litigation to resolve the dispute. Should either party initiate litigation to settle any dispute involving the terms of this Agreement such litigation shall be Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C 5 Revised August 2025 initiated in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina seated in Orange County, North Carolina. D. Signatures. This Agreement together with any amendments or modifications may be executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the intent of the Parties to comply with Article 11A and Article 40 of North Carolina General Statute Chapter 66. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Grant Recipient have signed this Grant Agreement, effective on the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the dates set forth under signatures below. For and on behalf of the Grant Recipient Date For and on behalf of Orange County Government Travis Myren, County Manager Date Megan Hughes, OCP Co-President Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C 9/17/2025 9/26/2025 ORANGE COUNTY—INTERNAL USE ONLY Revised 01/24 1 Finance Information Vendor Name: Vendor Contact Person: Phone: Address: City: State: NC Zip: Department: County Manager’s Office/Arts Commission Amount: Purpose: 2025-2026 Arts Grants Budget Code(s): 37290050-630000 Vendor # Vendor Status with NCSOS: Vendor is a BOCC consultant: Yes No Contract Details Contract Type: X New Amendment (Original Contract: ) (Most Recent Amendment ) Effective Date End Date Notice Date (Notice Purpose ) Award Approved by Board (Agenda Date: ); Made or Administered by Signature Authority - BOCC Express Delegation (Agenda Date: ) - Policy 9.4: Under $5,000; Service Under $90,000; Construction Under $250,000 - Budget Policy Section XV (Capital Improvement Project: ) Bidding Informal Bidding ($30k-$90k); Formal RFP ($90k+); Other (<$30k); Exception (# ) Department Affirmation This agreement is approved as to technical form and content and I as Department Director affirmatively state work on this pro ject has not been initiated prior to execution of the agreement. This agreement is approved as to technical form and content . Services related to this agreement have already begun or been completed. Description of the nature of the emergency condition that was addressed: Department Director’s Signature Date: $3,750.00 Orange Community Players, Inc (419) 654-0540 27278 PO Box 144 Megan Hughes Hillsborough 69115 Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C 9/17/2025 ORANGE COUNTY—INTERNAL USE ONLY Revised 01/24 2 Information Technologies This agreement has been reviewed and is approved as to information technology content and specifications: Office of the Chief Information Officer Date: Inapplicable because no hardware/software purchases or related services Risk Management This agreement is approved for sufficiency of insurance standards, specifications, and requirements: Office of the Risk Management Officer Date: Financial Services This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act: Office of the Chief Financial Officer Date: Legal Services This agreement is approved as to legal form and sufficiency: Office of the County Attorney Date: Clerk to the Board All DocuSign contracts must be copied to the Clerk upon completion: occlerkdocs@orangecountync.gov The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for DocuSign contracts: Received for record retention: Office of the Clerk to the Board Date: Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C 9/19/2025 9/22/2025 9/25/2025 Orange County Arts Commission Powered by Submittable Title Orange Communi ty Pl ayers by Orange Community Players in 2025-26 Grassroots Arts Project Application PO Box 144 Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 NC United States 9196080480 orangecommunityplayersnc@gmail.com 06/30/2025 id. 50951877 Original Submission 06/30/2025 Score n/a APPLICANT INFORMATION Please tell us about your organization. Organization Name Orange Community Players DBA Is the Applicant Organization serving as a fiscal agent for an unincorporated group? No Mailing Address of Organization PO Box 144 Hillsborough NC 27278 US 36.0813647 -79.089768 How did you hear about our grant program? OCAC Enews Did you or a representative of your orgnanization attend one of our grants training sessions? No Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C Nature of Organization Arts Organization Organization Description Orange Community Players (OCP) was created in 2005 to educate and train local residents in the dramatic arts and to provide affordable, artistically excellent theatrical productions to members of the broader community. OCP features local performers of all ages and at varying stages of experience. Our goal is to use theatre to build a stronger sense of community and togetherness while providing education and training to local artists. How many Orange County residents does the organization serve? W e have 100 participants in the cast, and our shows reach up to 1,000 community members over four performances. Please explain how your organization ensures diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in its programs and operations. OCP is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds feel respected, valued, and represented. W e prioritize creating a supportive, intergenerational community where all feel encouraged to express their creativity. W e respect gender identity and use appropriate pronouns for all partticipants, and we offer accommodations for actors with limited mobility or other health considerations. All our performances are in ADA-compatible spaces and we offer priority seating to those needing handicapped seating and other members of their parties so they can sit together. During FY25-26, will your organization receive operational support funding from the North Carolina Arts Council or the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources? No Organization's EIN 263628548 Organization W ebsite www.ocpnc.com Authorizing Official's Name Megan Hughes Authorizing Official's Title OCP Co-President Authorizing Official's Phone 419-654-0540 Authorizing Official's Email meganhughes789@gmail.com Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C Applicant Race W hite Financial Overview FinancialOv erv iew_Submittable.xlsx Organizational Financial Statements Seussical_Budget.xlsx MusicManreconciliation_2024.xlsx OCP_Operating_Budget_2025-2026.pdf Deficit/Surplus Our shows and overall budget usually come close to breaking even each year, with a projected surplus this year of $2,000. This year, we have received a tourism grant that will help us to fund next year's show after expenses have cleared. If the current or next year budget represents a 30% change (or greater) from the year prior, please explain why. The Hillsborough Tourism Grant has helped us to further provide income to cover expenses for the summer show, but is not guranteed each year. Are you an entity of UNC-Chapel Hill or another unit of state government? No PROJECT/PROGRAM INFORMATION Tell us about your project or program Title of Grant Request Seussical Grant Amount Requested $5,000 Is the person in charge of this program or project different from the Authorizing Official? No W hat are you requesting funding for? A specific program or project Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C Project/Program Summary OCP is celebrating its 20th year of bringing exceptional community theatre to Hillsborough, NC with the 2025 production of Seussical. Performances will be July 24-27 at Orange High School, with approximately 100 people supporting the production as cast, production team, and technical crew. Our participants range in age from 5 - 80+ and live in Orange County and surrounding areas. OCP is proud to bring together an intergenerational, inclusive, cast and crew to tell the story of Horton and the W ho’s. OCP is led by an all-volunteer board who support the organization throughout the year and are intensely involved with the summer show. W ith the exception of small honoraria given to the production team, the show is fueled by volunteer parents, grandparents, and friends of the theatre, many of whom have been volunteering every summer for years. The cast, including children, youth, and adults, are directly involved in the creation of sets, props and costumes for the production. Our summer show requests a nominal $35 participation fee from each cast member (with a cap for families with multiple cast members); we intentionally keep this cost low to make participation accessible, and offter alternative arrangements if cost is an an issue for anyone who wants to participate. The requested grant funding would cover 1/4 of the approximately $20,000 production budget. Expenses include performance space at Orange High School, costs of licensing from Music Theatre International, and materials for set construction (lumber, paint, foam board, etc.). Project Start Date (no earlier than July 1, 2025) July 1, 2025 Project End Date (no later than June 30, 2026) July 27, 2025 Project Goals The goal of the Seussical production is to create a high quality theatre experience for our cast, crew, production team, and audience. Our volunteers create a complete theatre experience, including professional costumes, props, set design, lighting and sound. W e hope to encourage community members of all ages and backgrounds to learn about theatre and to want to pursue additonal theatre opportunities to share this art with broader audiences. Audience Description The audience will include people of all ages and backgrounds. W e offer ticket pricing for children, students, senior citizens and adults. W e are also creating special opportunities for people with mental and physical disabilities to attend the show at a reduced price. W e hope to bring in 1,000 audience members to experience the story of Horton and the W ho's. Location Description Our shows will be performed in the auditorium of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC. All entrances and seating are ADA compliant. Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C Artist Description Our show includes 67 cast members from various backgrounds and levels of acting experience, from people joining their first show to seasoned semi- professional actors. Our lighitng and set designers are artists with extensive experience in their fields. Artists are all chosen based on auditions for performers and experience in the field. The OCP Board and the Director choose the production team based on previous working experience. Are you hiring multicultural artists with the requested funds from this grant? No How will the project/program be publicized and promoted to reach intended participants? Year-round promotion of OCP and the 2025 season include our website (https://ocpnc.com/) and quarterly newsletter. OCP also uses social media - primarily Facebook and Instagram - to promote activities. Additionally, regional partners (eg. Studio 1 - Burlington) and local partners including the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, the Hillsborough/Orange Chamber of Commerce, Eno River Farmers Market, and the Orange County Public Library advertise OCP events and audition opportunities throughout the year. The marketing plan for Seussical will include: - Social Media (Instagram takeovers (following a cast member for a day as they get ready for a rehearsal or show); shareable posts with show promotion and how to purchase tickets; thank you messages to volunteers,sponsors, and in-kind donations) - Hillsborough Farmers Market (the cast will be performing at a Saturday market in early July 2025) - Participation in the Orange County Library Summer Reading Kickoff event, including free crafts for participants and cast members reading in character. - Participation in the Hillsborough Arts Council Last Friday events, including craft kits and ticket sales - Flyers, posters, yard signs, and banners advertising the show posted in and around Hillsborough W ith permission, all sponsors logos will be included on promotional materials including T-shirts. How will you evaluate the success of the program? Success will be measured in ticket sales and ad sales to offset costs of tehs how. W e also request feedback from a cast and crew survey for all participants for us to identify potential areas of improvement for future years. PROJECT/PROGRAM BUDGET Please fill out the charts below with your project's expenses and income. Use the "Explanation" box to offer details for each category. NOTE: The Total Cash Expense must equal the Total Cash Income. Click here to view a sample budget. Project Expense Expenses-english-rev ised.xlsx Project Income Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C Income-english-rev ised.xlsx Resumes of artists/administrators CSippy_Acting_Resume_525_-_Carrie_Sippy.pdf CV_-_Cassandra_Gabe.pdf JAI_-_Theater_Resume_-_Dawn_Sanks_Imershein.pdf Bruett_Sav _1_-_Sav annah_B.pdf CV_-_Cassandra_Gabe_Copy(1).pdf Board of Directors List OCP_Board_of_Directors_2025.pdf IRS Tax Exemption Tax_Exempt_Letter_1.pdf W ork Samples mmfinal_1.pdf Title of work The Music Man Artist's name Year created 2024 Medium (if applicable) Program of Show Video Sample: External Link 1 https://youtu.be/NGS6bILpJTU?si=ixGdIcKckNCrizVc Video Sample: External Link 2 Video Sample: External Link 3 Letters of support (optional) Logo and tagline usage checked Unallowable Expenses checked Docusign Envelope ID: 5FED3580-D3C1-47DA-8CD4-E7D1B203DF3C