Rodman for Kids and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) announced a landmark 10-year, $1.2 million partnership that will expand access to live theatre and arts education for tens of thousands of young people across Massachusetts. The partnership includes a $120,000 annual investment from Rodman for Kids over the next decade – the largest theatre-focused commitment in the history of both organizations – and will establish one of the most significant long-term investments in youth arts access in Massachusetts to support youth-focused productions and educational experiences, increase access to student performances, and strengthen programming that connects classroom learning with live theatre.
The partnership is expected to impact at least 60,000 young people, ensuring more students have access to high-quality theatrical experiences that foster creativity, empathy, confidence, and critical thinking.
The collaboration builds upon a relationship that has already demonstrated how removing barriers can connect thousands of students with professional theatre. Earlier this year, Rodman for Kids partnered with CSC to ensure more than 6,000 students from communities across Massachusetts could attend CSC’s Stage2 production of Romeo & Juliet, welcoming them to experience professional theatre at no cost to their schools. By making Shakespeare accessible beyond the pages of a textbook, the partnership gave students the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most influential literary works as it was meant to be seen – performed live – deepening their understanding of a text they were already exploring in the classroom.
Beyond the financial investment, the partnership establishes a long-term collaboration between Rodman for Kids and CSC. The organizations will work together on education, fundraising, marketing, and community engagement initiatives while creating new opportunities to connect students and families with transformative theatrical experiences.
“This partnership reflects exactly what Rodman for Kids exists to do – invest in organizations that create life-changing opportunities for kids,” said Amy Rossman, Executive Director of Rodman for Kids. “Over the next decade, we’ll be working alongside Commonwealth Shakespeare Company to bring classic literature and the works students study in school to life, transforming required reading into memorable experiences that spark curiosity, deepen learning, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Together, we’re investing in brighter futures.”
“For nearly three decades, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company has believed that every young person deserves access to the transformative power of live theater, regardless of their background or circumstances. This extraordinary 10-year commitment from Rodman for Kids is truly revolutionary because it gives us something every nonprofit dreams of: the ability to plan boldly for the future. Their investment ensures that Stage2 can continue to grow, reaching tens of thousands more students with Shakespeare that is engaging, accessible, and deeply relevant. We are profoundly grateful to Rodman for Kids for believing in the next generation of Shakespeare and theater lovers!” said Steven Maler, CSC Founding Artistic Director.
Rooted in a shared commitment to education and accessibility, this partnership will use the performing arts as a catalyst for learning, personal growth, and community connection. Together, Rodman for Kids and CSC will continue creating experiences that empower young people both inside and beyond the theatre.