Last night, the Citizens Opera House was buzzing with excitement as 2,500 kids filled the seats for a special performance of Hamilton. The energy was electric – a mix of awe, anticipation, and pure joy – as kids from across Massachusetts gathered to celebrate a milestone more than two decades in the making.
With this unforgettable evening, Rodman for Kids officially reached 100,000 kids impacted through our Theatre for Kids program!
More Than a Show – It Was a Movement
As with every Theatre for Kids experience, the night was designed to be more than a trip to the theater. Kids were encouraged to explore, connect, and express themselves through a series of interactive experiences throughout the Opera House.
At our “This Is Not a Moment, It’s the Movement” board – inspired by one of Hamilton’s most iconic lines – kids were invited to write what they stand for, just like Alexander Hamilton did through his words and actions. The result was a powerful collection of messages about friendship, kindness, love, and change, each one representing a young voice finding its power.
To make the experience as inclusive as it was inspiring, we also provided a sensory chill zone – a quiet, welcoming space where kids could take a break, decompress, and rejoin the show when ready. It was part of our ongoing effort to make theater accessible to every child, no matter their needs or comfort level.
There were smiles at every corner – from the kids posing at our Rodman for Kids star photo spot, to the laughter of those flipping through the eight pages of our special edition program book content made just for them – complete with Hamilton fun facts and creative activities that helped them engage with the story on stage.
A Milestone 23 Years in the Making
Since 2003, Theatre for Kids has opened the doors of Massachusetts’ most beautiful theatres to children who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience live performance. What started as one night at the theater has grown into a movement that connects, uplifts, and empowers – helping kids see themselves in the arts and in the world around them.
The milestone of 100,000 kids isn’t just a number – it represents 100,000 sparks of imagination, 100,000 moments of belonging, and 100,000 stories of possibility.
Every ticket, every show, and every partnership has helped make this movement possible. From our friends and biggest champions at Broadway In Boston, to the incredible Hamilton team, our Charity Partners, donors, and volunteers – this celebration belongs to all of us.
The Curtain Closes, But the Movement Continues
As the final notes of Hamilton rang through the theatre, one thing was clear – this is only the beginning. Theatre for Kids will continue to bring the arts to life for new generations, breaking down barriers and building brighter futures through creativity and connection.
Because when kids experience the arts, they don’t just see a story on stage – they start to imagine their own.