The Curtain Rises: The Fund for Petersburg High School Launches Theater Partnership
Theater arts are making a triumphant return to Petersburg High School through an innovative partnership that honors a beloved educator's legacy while creating new opportunities for today's students. The first sessions of this groundbreaking program kicked off last week, marking a significant milestone in the school's commitment to arts education.
The initiative, launched through a collaboration between Petersburg High School, SPARC (School for the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community), and The Endowment Project Foundation (TEPF), is being supported in part by the alumni-led Maniego Fund for the Fine and Performing Arts. This fund pays tribute to Marie Maniego, a legendary English and Drama teacher at Petersburg High School whose impact resonated far beyond the classroom. Throughout her career, Ms. Maniego not only taught at PHS but also ran a local theater company where she mentored countless students—including Hollywood actor Blair Underwood, who has frequently credited her influence on his successful career.
What makes this program particularly exciting is its integration with Petersburg High School's existing strengths. The initiative will create opportunities for students across multiple disciplines to contribute their talents to theater productions. Fashion and consumer science students will design costumes, building trades students will construct sets, cosmetology students will handle hair and makeup, IT students will manage sound and lighting, and music students will perform the scores for upcoming productions.
SPARC's experienced teaching staff are now on campus twice weekly, providing regular instruction for Petersburg students. This spring term will culminate in a week of technical rehearsals followed by live performances, giving students hands-on experience with all aspects of theater production.
Building for the Future
While the program is already underway, efforts continue to secure additional funding for facility improvements and long-term sustainability. The initiative aims to modernize the theater's technical infrastructure to meet contemporary standards. These upgrades will ensure students have access to industry-standard equipment and create a space that matches their creativity and ambition.
"Theater does more than teach performance skills," notes Danny Sterling, Executive Director of The Endowment Project Foundation. "It builds confidence, resilience, and teamwork abilities that serve students throughout their lives. We're thrilled to be part of bringing these opportunities back to Petersburg High School."
The return of theater to Petersburg High School represents more than just a new program—it's a continuation of Ms. Maniego's legacy of nurturing creativity and developing new pathways to opportunity for PHS students. As the program takes its first steps, the enthusiasm of the students, the dedication of the staff, and the support of the community all point to an exciting future for performing arts in Petersburg.
To learn more about supporting the theater renovation project or getting involved with the program, please contact The Endowment Project Foundation.