The Historic Sidney Theatre Launches Stage Door Steam Initiative to Inspire Local Students

SIDNEY, OHIO (Nov. 7, 2025) - The Historic Sidney Theatre is pleased to announce the launch of Stage Door STEAM, a hands-on educational initiative presented in partnership with Copeland's Inspiring Horizons social impact program. This exciting opportunity invites students, especially those who may have limited access to the arts, to explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) come to life behind the curtain through theatrical production and design. For the entirety of the Historic Sidney Theatre's 2025-2026 season, students will have the opportunity to attend a Saturday matinee performance and then remain for an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at a show-specific technical element. Through hands-on learning and firsthand interaction, participants will discover the creative and technical collaboration that powers live theatre while gaining insight into potential pathways in STEAM-driven fields."The work done offstage and backstage is just as essential as what happens onstage, and we're thrilled to spotlight those technical elements of theatre. This program allows students to gain a fuller understanding of how theatre is made and to explore the many ways that connect it to STEAM," said Kara Zimmerman, development director at the Historic Sidney Theatre. "We're so grateful to Copeland and their Inspiring Horizons program for allowing us to implement Stage Door STEAM and we look forward to how this partnership will positively affect local students." Copeland, a global leader in sustainable compression technologies and controls solutions and one of the largest employers in the Sidney area, has made Stage Door STEAM possible with support through their Inspiring Horizons program. Focused on empowering young people through education and connection, Inspiring Horizons encourages Copeland colleagues to dedicate their time, skills and energy to create meaningful change and sustainable social mobility.Through this partnership, Copeland colleagues will volunteer at the Historic Sidney Theatre, helping students uncover the connections between STEAM and the world of theatrical production. By engaging directly with students, volunteers will provide hands-on support as participants explore the technical and creative processes that bring live theatre to life, inspiring them to consider future opportunities in STEAM-related fields. In addition to volunteer efforts, Copeland is also sponsoring 20 student tickets per session throughout the 2025-2026 season, and contributing funding to support the technical budget for the youth productions, Madagascar, Jr. and Once Upon a Mattress."Inspiring Horizons reflects our unwavering belief in the potential of young people and the power of community," said Tracey Grimshaw, vice president of talent and organizational effectiveness for Copeland. "By dedicating our time, energy, and resources, we're not just creating opportunities-we're building pathways to upward social and economic mobility. Together with partners like the Historic Sidney Theatre, we're shaping a future where every young person is empowered, enabled and encouraged to thrive."Joanna Thompson, vice president of brand marketing for Copeland and a board member at the Historic Sidney Theatre, emphasized the program's significance, "The Historic Sidney Theatre is a cornerstone of our community, preserving both our cultural heritage and our shared future. Stage Door STEAM is a perfect example of how the arts can inspire and educate, bridging the gap between creativity and innovation. By connecting students to the magic of theatre and the technical expertise behind it, we're not only opening their eyes to new possibilities but also reinforcing the importance of this historic venue as a hub for learning, collaboration, and community pride."Stage Door STEAM sessions kick off following the November 15 2:00 p.m. matinee of Bonnie and Clyde, the first show of the Historic Sidney Theatre's 2025-2026 season. Tickets are free to participating students and will be released one month prior to each performance on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one ticket per student.To reserve tickets or request more information, contact the Historic Sidney Theatre at [email protected] or (937) 498-1921. For a full season schedule and program dates, visit sidneytheatre.org.About the Historic Sidney TheatreLocated in the heart of downtown Sidney, the Historic Sidney Theatre is owned and operated by Raise the Roof for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Raise the Roof for the Art's mission is to enrich the cultural life of our downtown and community and serve as a community catalyst through stewardship of The Historic Sidney Theatre. It is our vision to build a sustainable organization that is recognized as a first-class center for engagement, entertainment, arts education, and performances. We present five to seven shows each season and host several special events and arts education opportunities throughout the year. The theatre is also available for public and private rentals and proudly serves as the home stage for many local school productions. For more information, including how to get involved or donate, please visit sidneytheatre.org.

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About Copeland

Copeland is a global leader in sustainable heating, cooling, cold chain and industrial solutions. We provide mission-critical compression technologies and controls solutions for a broad range of commercial, industrial, refrigeration and residential customers. We address issues like climate change, growing populations, electricity demands and a complex global supply chain with innovations that advance the energy transition, accelerate the adoption of climate friendly low-GWP (global warming potential) and natural refrigerants and safeguard the world's most critical goods through an efficient and sustainable cold chain. We have over 18,000 colleagues with feet on the ground in more than 40 countries - a global presence that makes it possible to serve customers wherever they are in the world and meet challenges with scale and speed. Our industry-leading brands and diversified portfolio deliver innovation and technology proven in over 200 million installations worldwide. Together, we create sustainable solutions that improve lives and protect the planet today and for future generations. For more information, visit copeland.com.