Giving Kids the Joy of Theatre

Nothing is more exciting and satisfying than watching a child's first discovery of live theatre!  A critical part of Musical Theatre West's mission is to introduce the students in our community to the sheer magic of storytelling, performance, live music, and song and dance.  So many of our young people would never experience theatre without the free  student matinees that we provide through generous donations. Students are transported by bus from their schools ("Thank you for giving us transportation. I know it was not free”) to the beautiful Carpenter Performing Arts Center (“Do we get to sit in the velvet chairs?”). There they are treated to the same performances of award-winning shows that our paying audiences enjoy. "The Sound of Music", "Anything Goes", "Hello Dolly",  and dozens of others have been presented with full casts and orchestras and the same professional sets and costumes. Let the students tell you about their experiences: “ That was better than recess. I loved it so much!”  “Thank you for letting me and my class come.  This inspired me to act.” “I was speechless. It was so good that I would watch it 100 times.”

Students who have exposure to the arts are known to perform better scholastically, are more emotionally connected with others, and have better social skills. But too many of our area schools are under-resourced and ill equipped to offer students meaningful arts experiences. Musical Theatre West is committed to helping fill that gap. The lessons students learn from the stories and characters of a show like "In the Heights" or "Newsies" can impact them in unexpected and profound ways. (“We learned that we need to speak up because we can change our community and our world.”)

Please consider helping Musical Theatre West continue to offer enriching theatre experiences to the young people of our community.  

Thank You!    Barbara Goen