Huntsville Youth Orchestra is among eight local groups to receive a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – Eight local groups in the performing arts have received grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre is the non-profit performing company of Alabama Youth Ballet. Keren Gibb Hilliard and David Herriott are artistic directors (aybtheatre.org).

The ballet theatre presents two major, annual performances, including “The Nutcracker” and the “Fairy Tale Ballet” series in spring.

Ars Nova School of the Arts trains students in voice, music and theatre to perform in plays, musicals and opera (arsnovahsv.com).

Established in 1998, Ars Nova had 25 students and has grown today to about 140 students. Students complete annual exams in theory, sight singing and ear training.

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater offers the love of the stage to youth in North Alabama. Fantasy Playhouse’s work includes stage productions, Fantasy Academy and the Fantasy Players (letthemagicbegin.org).

Fantasy Playhouse’s annual budget of $250,000 is operated entirely by volunteers, except for contracted teachers.

Huntsville Community Chorus Association has several ensembles, including an Adult Symphonic Chorus, a premier chorale, children’s and youth chorales and musical theatre.

Founded in 1945, the chorus was Huntsville’s first performing arts organization. Volunteers, from participating musicians to management, handle all aspects of the chorus’ work (thechorus.org).

Huntsville Literary Association has promoted writers’ work in the Tennessee Valley since 1967. The association coordinates a literary magazine, Young Writers Contest, workshops, guest authors and Poetry Out Loud (hlahsv.org).

Huntsville Youth Orchestra was founded to provide a performing venue for young string musicians. The youth play violin, viola, cello or bass in a group setting with a public performance each semester. The orchestra partners with Sam Houston State University (huntsvilleyouthorchestra.com).

Independent Musical Productions produces high-caliber shows in musical theatre for the Tennessee Valley. The organization promotes the art of musical theatre as an integral component of the community (imphuntsville.org).

Tennessee Valley Jazz Society was established in 1981 to foster artistic development and healthy living with education and entertainment. More than 26,500 youth have experienced its “Jazz Education-in-the-Schools” (tvjs.webs.com).

For more information, visit arts.state.al.us.