Photo by John Posada, courtesy of Algonquin Arts Theatre

(MANSASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre (Pamela Ward-Executive Director) announced that the theater's longtime supporter, "Broadway Ray" Soehngen helped the theatre raise over $33,000 during July's production of Cats by leading a matching gift fundraiser. The annual Broadway Ray Match funds the theatre's education programs and underwrites the cost of the Algonquin Youth Ensemble (AYE).

Algonquin Youth Ensemble is Algonquin's marquee arts education program within the theatre's Performing Arts Academy. Students are selected to participate through a highly-competitive audition process prior to the start of the semester. In addition to rehearsing for the main stage performance in which they are cast, AYE students are enrolled in a class that runs in conjunction with the rehearsal period, teaching theatre skills and concepts that are applied to the production.

This year's drive was the ninth matching fund drive supported by Broadway Ray since 2013, with the total contributions totaling more than $350,000.

“Broadway Ray’s support of Algonquin Arts Theatre allows us to offer our marquee arts education program free-of-charge to New Jersey students,’’ remarked Pamela Ward, Executive Director at Algonquin Arts Theatre. “We are so grateful for the generous support Broadway Ray has provided over the years and see the incredible impact it has on our students.”

“Supporting Algonquin Arts Theatre and its incredible education programs has been a joy and a privilege,” said ‘Broadway Ray’ Soehngen. “Seeing the positive impact on the students and the community inspires me to continue giving back. The arts are vital, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this wonderful journey.”

Soehngen, a long-time resident of Wall who now resides in Brick, runs bus trips to see Broadway shows in New York City. He has a gift for helping organizations raise much needed funds and giving back to his community.

Financial support from individuals, organizations and corporations are critical for both operating and making capital improvements to Algonquin Arts Theatre. For more information on how you can support the theatre, please call the Algonquin Box Office at 732-528-9211 or visit www.AlgonquinArts.org.

ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.

Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. A journeyman house, AAT features the work of young and emerging artists, designers and directors working alongside seasoned professionals.

AAT provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering greater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by Hackensack Meridian Health, the PNC Foundation, Manasquan Bank, Sunnyside Manor, the Dodge Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation and the generosity of other businesses and our patrons.

BROADWAY RAY (‘The Shore Way To Broadway’) is beginning their 24th season as Monmouth & Ocean counties premier charter bus tour company to Broadway. Broadway Ray has accompanied thousands of people to New York to experience a Broadway show. Individuals, families, groups, schools & local organizations have all enjoyed the Broadway Ray experience which includes an orchestra or front mezzanine seat, deluxe motor coach transportation & driver's gratuity. Bus tours currently depart from Forked River, Toms River, Wall and the Cheesequake Service Area. Drop off and pick up is always convenient to the theater with enough time for patrons to do lunch on their own. For tickets & reservations call 732-528-8434 or email Ray@broadwayray.com.