By Amy Rossman, Executive Director of Rodman for Kids
When you think back to the first time you experienced the magic of the arts, what stands out? Was it a play that transported you to another world? A performance that left you speechless? For kids, these moments are more than just memories – they are pathways to creativity, confidence, and connection. At Rodman for Kids, we believe every child deserves access to these transformative experiences, and our Theatre for Kids program ensures that every child is included in the magic.
As we approach the milestone of enriching our 100,000th kid through Theatre for Kids, I reflect on what that impact truly means. I’ve been with the organization for 20 of its 35 years and have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of the arts on so many kids. Immersing kids in stories that inspire, entertain, and ignite their imaginations stays with them long after the applause fades, shaping how they see themselves and the world.
While many of us take access to the arts for granted, for some kids, attending a live theatre performance feels out of reach. High ticket prices, transportation challenges, and lack of exposure are just some of the barriers to arts access. For children from under-resourced communities, these barriers often mean missing out on the chance to experience the power of live performance.
We know that barriers to accessing the theatre go beyond finances. Accessibility issues, such as accommodating sensory needs or ensuring performances are inclusive for kids with visual or hearing impairments, can also stand in the way. That’s why Rodman for Kids is dedicated to ensuring kids of ALL abilities can experience the joy of theatre. Last year, 35% of our tickets went to children with differing abilities, including those with sensory needs, visual or hearing impairments. By working with our partners to provide tailored accommodations, we’re creating a space where every child can feel welcome and included.
Theatre does more than entertain; it opens minds, builds empathy, and fosters a sense of possibility. Research shows that children exposed to the arts perform better academically, develop stronger problem-solving skills, and cultivate deeper emotional understanding. But beyond the studies, the individual stories from kids, their families, and their teachers speak volumes.
Ashley, a young girl who experienced a Theatre for Kids performance, shared that she used to be a dancer but had to stop because of her panic attacks. After seeing a performance through the Theatre for Kids program, she shared that “seeing all of the dancers made me want to start dancing again; I wouldn’t have considered it if it weren’t for this experience.” Kacie Brown, a former Lawrence High School theatre teacher, expressed her gratitude for the program after taking her students to see Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird – “Rodman for Kids came in like a little miracle and gave kids this opportunity to see the world outside their couple of blocks.” These moments are evidence of the arts’ ability to unlock potential, build confidence, and encourage kids to dream bigger.
The success of Theatre for Kids is rooted in collaboration. This program thrives thanks to the partnerships we’ve built with more than 40 youth-focused nonprofits, generous donors, and local theatre companies, with no bigger champion for the program than Broadway In Boston. Together, we’re creating opportunities for kids to experience the arts and the many doors it opens. Every performance is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to invest in our youth.
While we’ve made great strides, there is still so much more to do. For every child who has experienced the thrill of live theatre, countless more are still waiting for their turn. At Rodman for Kids, we’re committed to growing this program and reaching even more kids in the years ahead, fostering new partnerships and finding innovative ways to make the arts accessible to all.
If you are reading this, you likely already understand the profound impact of the arts. If you’re inspired to help us bring this magic to more kids, I invite you to get involved. Whether it’s through a donation or encouraging your organization to partner with us, your support makes a difference. Together, we can continue to create life-changing opportunities for the next generation.
As we celebrate the arts, let us also celebrate the potential they hold to transform lives. The theatre teaches us that everyone has a role to play, both on stage and behind the scenes. Thank you for being part of this journey and for believing in the power of the arts to empower, connect, and uplift us all.