NBC's ‘Smash' introduces initiative to improve schools' theater programs

PITTSBURGH — NBC’s “Smash,” home improvement retailer Lowe’s, and iTheatrics have partnered to help schools across America improve their theaters through the “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical constructed by Lowe’s” initiative.

Schools across America with theaters in need of repairs may apply for the "NBC's 'Smash': Make a Musical constructed by Lowe's" program at makeamusical.org through Wednesday.

On March 12, 30 finalists will be named and communities will compete to receive the most online votes before April 10.

The top five grand-prize winners will receive a Lowe's gift card to help renovate their theater.

Jeremy Jordan, Lowe's employee volunteers and volunteers from the national nonprofit Rebuilding Together helped East Rockaway High School in East Rockaway, N.Y., rebuild its stage which was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

East Rockaway High School in East Rockaway, N.Y., has received funding and supplies from Lowe's to repair its high school auditorium.

Earlier in February, Lowe's employee volunteers and volunteers from the national nonprofit Rebuilding Together worked alongside East Rockaway students to complete the theater makeover.

"Smash" and Broadway star Jeremy Jordan visited the school and encouraged the students as they performed for the first time on their rebuilt stage. The whole process was captured and will air in three separate 30-second spots during season2 of "Smash."

Last season, "NBC's 'Smash': Make a Musical" created musical theater programs in schools by giving educators and students the tools and training they needed to build self-sustaining programs in under-served schools.

"NBC's 'Smash': Make a Musical" was directly responsible for creating 30 musical theater programs, the program was awarded a 2012 Thalo Critics' Choice Inspiration Award.

WPXI