At the Frederick Arts Council’s Annual Grant Awards dinner on November 21, President Jack Pumphreys announced that the Thurmont Thespians were named the "Outstanding Arts Organization in Frederick County for 2006" for their local community outreach. President and Artistic Director Beth Royer Watson accepted the honorary plaque from the Frederick Arts Council Executive Director, Shuan Butcher on behalf of the organization. In addition, Thurmont Thespians, a non-profit corporation, was awarded another Community Arts Development Grant for 2007.

"The board of directors was pleased to present the award this year to The Thurmont Thespians because of their extensive outreach to the community. They are great partners to the arts council as well," said Mr. Butcher.

To celebrate this honor bestowed by the Arts Council and the beginning of their tenth season, the Thespians are hosting a 10th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser on Friday, January 5, at the Cultural Arts Center of Frederick County, 15 West Patrick Street in downtown Frederick beginning at 8:00 p.m. The Gala theme is "Baseball, Peanuts & Something Wicked" and everyone is invited! Tickets to the Gala will be $30.00 per person at the door and the entire purchase is tax-deductible. Advance purchase of tickets for $25 person is available by calling Mrs. Urian at 301-271-7613 or by mailing a check made out to "Thurmont Thespians, Inc." to 14826 Manahan Road, Sabillasville, MD 21780. Checks must be received before January 1 to be tax-deductible for 2006. The attire for this celebration should consistent with the theme: a baseball or softball league shirt and/or cap OR dressed as a character from the comic strip "Peanuts" or dressed as a character from the Broadway show "Wicked."

The Thespians program includes a shortened version of "Rounding Third," the comedy about two Little League baseball coaches by Richard Dresser and will star David Elvove and Bill Collins. This play was presented last January in Thurmont and is being reprised in part as an hour-long special entertainment. During intermission, free champagne or sparkling cider will be served along with gourmet hot and cold hors d’ouvres. The second half of the program will feature musical performances by the teen cast of "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," which was presented last March in Thurmont and closed with vocal selections from the Broadway hit show "Wicked," performed by Eileen Winston, Jeanine Collins, Doug Benson, Mary Beth Johnson and Wyatt Whitsel. Robbie Freed will accompany performances on piano.