This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating a love story – not just between Romeo and Juliet, but between young people and the arts.
Rodman for Kids is proud to announce our 2026 partnership with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company to support their Stage2 Student Matinee performances of Romeo & Juliet this May.
Through this partnership, Rodman for Kids will:
- Cover the cost of ALL tickets to Stage2 student matinees
- Help offset transportation costs so schools can get students to the theatre
- Expand access to live theatre for approximately 5,000 high school students from Boston, Brockton, Lawrence, Lynn, and beyond
When cost is no longer the deciding factor, schools can say “yes” to experiences that deepen learning and expand perspective.
More Than a Field Trip
The Stage2 Student Matinees go beyond simply watching a performance of Romeo & Juliet. Each production is designed with accessibility and engagement at the forefront, including:
- Open captioning for all performances
- A touch table for sensory engagement and deeper connection
- A post-show talkback with the cast and creative team
These intentional elements turn a day at the theatre into an interactive, educational experience – one that invites students to reflect, ask questions, and see themselves in the story.
Bringing the CUE Model to Life
This experience is intentionally designed through our Theatre for Kids CUE Model – ensuring students are supported before, during, and after the performance.
- C – Connect
- Before students ever take their seats, educators receive pre-performance email newsletters (courtesy of Commonwealth Shakespeare Company) with classroom-ready learning tools, discussion prompts, and contextual materials to help spark curiosity and prepare students for what they’re about to experience.
- U – Uplift
- The performance itself – complete with open captioning, a touch table, and a post-show talkback – creates an inclusive, interactive environment where students can engage deeply with the story, language, and themes of Romeo & Juliet.
- E – Empower
- After the curtain call, extension activities are shared through the same educator channels, along with communication from both Rodman for Kids and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company about future opportunities to stay engaged with live theatre.
Because the goal isn’t just attendance – it’s impact that lasts beyond a single day.
Expanding Access. Building Futures.
At Rodman for Kids, we know that theatre builds empathy, strengthens communication skills, and creates space for young people to see new possibilities for themselves. By partnering with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s Stage2 program, we’re proud to help open the doors to 5,000 students across Massachusetts – and to continue investing in experiences that spark imagination, learning, and growth.