Production of Macbeth to reach over 1,000 regional students
Greenbrier Valley Theatre’s upcoming production of Macbeth is being supported by a partnership with West Virginia University College of Creative Arts and Media. Funded by the James F.B. Peyton Greenbrier County Arts Outreach Initiative, this partnership will cover all expenses for professional combat choreographer Whit Emerson to choreograph the fight scenes in the play. The grant was awarded by the James F. B. Peyton Fund, which is overseen by the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
One of the ways the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media fulfills its land-grant mission of service to West Virginia is through outreach across the state. This is achieved by bringing programs to communities and schools throughout West Virginia.
“The College of Creative Arts and Media is committed to being a cultural leader for our state and region,” says Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean. “Philanthropic support is a critical component that allows our faculty and students to engage with communities across the state. This type of interaction benefits all of us, and deepens our appreciation for the cultural richness of West Virginia.”
Thanks to funding from the James F. B. Peyton Grant, WVU has expanded its outreach efforts to provide access to arts programming in Greenbrier County. Support from the Peyton Grant enables WVU to offer many children their first exposure to collegiate-level arts programming, instruction, and performances – opening doors to creativity, learning, and inspiration.
“GVT is thrilled to be partnering with WVU through the generous support from The James F. B. Peyton Fund at The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation,” says Courtney Susman-Frye, Producing Artistic Director. “This grant makes it possible for us to have quality and safe fight choreography while strengthening our partnership with WVU, an incredible university with a top tier theatre program.”
The GVT production of Macbeth will be seen by over 1,000 students from schools across the region. The play also features two cast members that are graduates of the WVU theatre program, Elena Maddy and Emarya Montgomery.
Macbeth will be presented at Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Oct. 17 through Nov. 1. For dates, times and tickets, visit https://gvtheatre.org/2025-season/.
