In 2009, Bethesda philanthropists Jim and Carol Trawick gave Imagination Stage $2.5 million to pay off the remaining debt from the construction of the Woodmont Triangle theater.
Next week, the theater will unveil a new sign that makes the Trawick’s contribution clear — naming the children’s theater and educational facility after the longtime Bethesda arts boosters.
“The Trawick’s have been involved in the Imagination story almost from the beginning and stepped in at a critical time in our history to ensure our financial stability,” Imagination Stage founder and Executive Director Bonnie Fogel said in a prepared release. “More than this, Carol Trawick has played a huge part in the development of Bethesda through her work on the Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber, the Bethesda Urban District, and her nurturing of the Bethesda Arts District. This is a lasting monument to her dedication to Imagination Stage and to the Bethesda arts community, which she has nurtured and upheld since its conception.”
In the early 90′s, Carol Trawick helped spearhead the privatization of the Bethesda Urban District, which turned into the Bethesda Urban Partnership. Through BUP, Trawick has sponsored and promoted a variety of arts events in downtown Bethesda
The unveiling ceremony is set for Saturday, Nov. 23 and will include County Executive Isiah Leggett and his wife Catherine, another Imagination Stage donor.
Imagination Stage was founded in 1979 and offers year-round professional theater aimed at kids, as well as classes in creative drama, acting, musical theatre, dance and filmmaking.
