Mission

The missions of Fendig Theatre for Children are to provide youth with an opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the production of theatre; to provide the community with theatre that is both artistically and educationally challenging; to help local youth develop a better understanding of the potential of theatre for fostering human development, while also helping them understand the technical aspects of theatre; and to use theatre as a means of developing a sense of community.
Founding Board Members-
Rensselaer Summer Theatre for Children- 1976

Current Board of Directors-2024
William Moriarty
Pat Collins
Robert Garrity
Bonnie Louck
Gwen Potter
Judy Steiner
Ralph Shaw
​Helen Watts
Board President: Heather Heinig 
Interim Treasurer: Kyle Geesa
Secretary:  Beth Houston              
Board Members:   Kyle Geesa
​                                Beth Houston
             ​ ​                   Jon Messman​​

Fendig's Philosophy

The philosophy of Fendig Summer Theatre for Children is to let the children run the entire performance.  There are no adults backstage or handling the technical aspects of the the production on the nights of performance.  It is all done by the children!

Ralph Fendig

In the fall of 1988 Ralph Fendig, a retired merchant, generously endowed the theatre.  His love of children and theatre helped make it possible to expand the theatre's productions.  Thus the Rensselaer Children's Summer Theatre became the Ralph and Lilian Fendig Summer Theatre for Children.

In October of 1988, a reception was held at the Curtis Creek Country Club to celebrate the naming of the theatre.
Click to see the Fendig Renaming Announcement

Moriarty Scholarship

As a tribute to the late William Moriarty of Rensselaer, a scholarship fund has been established through the Jasper Newton Foundation in his honor.  His vision of learning through the arts was responsible for establishing the Rensselaer Children's Theatre, now known as the Fendig Summer Theatre for Children.  

The William Moriarty Scholarship is given to a college student after the sophomore or junior year with a major in theatre, dance, music or the performing arts.  The student must be a Rensselaer High School graduate and must have had at least five years combined in the Fendig Summer Theatre and the High School Theatre.

Because Moriarty was so instrumental in the establishment of this group, it seems only fitting that his interest and enthusiasm for the arts can be carried on through scholarships to deserving individuals.

The Jasper Newton Foundation invites you to take part in helping build a permanent endowment fund in William Moriarty's name so these scholarships can be awarded into the future.  All gifts donated to this fund will be matched 50%.

If anyone is interested in becoming a donor to this important fund please contact Brienne Hooker at the Foundation office at 866-5899.  Contributions may be sent to the Jasper Newton Foundation, P.O. Box 295, Rensselaer IN  47978.