When Theatre for Kids first began, the idea was simple: give children the chance to see live theatre. A ticket to a Broadway show or local production opened a door to a world many had never experienced before – a world of imagination, artistry, and wonder.
But as we listened to the kids, families, and partners we serve, we realized something important: true accessibility isn’t just about the cost of a ticket.
Beyond the Ticket: Recognizing Barriers to Access
At first, covering the price of admission seemed like enough. Yet, we quickly learned that financial barriers are only one piece of the puzzle. Transportation challenges, language differences, disabilities, and a lack of context for what to expect at a performance can all make live theatre feel out of reach.
We began asking ourselves: How do we make theatre welcoming and inclusive for every child?
Building Accessibility into the Experience
Over time, Theatre for Kids expanded to include much more than a seat in the audience. We worked alongside our Charity Partners and arts organizations to introduce supports that made theatre more accessible:
- ASL-interpreted performances for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
- Audio-described shows and touch tours for blind and low-vision youth.
- Post-show talkbacks that allowed kids to connect with those they just saw on stage.
- Transportation solutions to make sure getting to the theatre wasn’t a barrier.
This shift marked an important evolution: Theatre for Kids wasn’t just about access to tickets—it was about access to belonging.
Theatre as a Full Educational Experience
What began as an opportunity to see a show has grown into a program that uses theatre as a tool for learning, connection, and growth. Kids don’t just watch a story unfold on stage – they engage with it, reflect on it, and connect it to their own lives.
They leave with more than memories of a performance. They leave with questions, insights, and inspiration for what’s possible in their own futures.
Theatre for Kids evolved into our CUE model – Connect, Uplift, Empower:
- Connect: Theatre builds community. Kids share the experience with peers, mentors, and families, and feel a part of something bigger than themselves.
- Uplift: Every child deserves to see themselves reflected on stage and to feel that their story matters. Accessible performances ensure that no child is left out.
- Empower: Access to theatre broadens horizons. For some, it sparks a lifelong love of the arts; for others, it unlocks confidence, empathy, or even a career path.
“The rich history of Theatre for Kids is built upon the belief that being able to attend performing arts can be a life changing experience. Building in accessibility resources, as well as the CUE model activities to reinforce learning, became key steps to ensure that the program maintains it’s power and impact for the next 100,000 kids.” – Bill Stiles, Director of Programs – Theatre for Kids and Charity Partners
Looking Ahead: 100,000 Kids and Beyond
As we celebrate reaching the milestone of introducing 100,000 kids to theatre, we know this is only the beginning. The evolution of Theatre for Kids has shown us that the arts are more than entertainment – they are a powerful force for connection, learning, and transformation.
Because at the heart of this program is a simple belief: every child deserves not only a seat in the theatre, but also a chance to see what’s possible for their future.