According to Broadway Dallas Education Ensemble Chair Sheri Rosen,
“After moving to Dallas from New York City, I found a home in Broadway Dallas. My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the shows together, finding the quality of the productions equal to anything we have seen on Broadway. As I became more involved in Broadway Dallas as both a donor and season ticket holder, I was introduced to the outreach work of Broadway Dallas’ Education and Community Partnerships department whose mission is to serve the local community by providing arts-driven, equitable programs influenced by the spirit of Broadway.
“In 2020, even as theaters worldwide went dark, I watched Broadway Dallas not only maintain this commitment but also grow the reach of its services, programs, and partnerships in the community. That same year, a new affinity group, the Education Ensemble, was formed. This vibrant group is committed to galvanizing the power of individuals in philanthropy to support the educational and community partnership mission of Broadway Dallas. As the Education Ensemble sought to introduce to the community a unique and innovative program, a new fundraising campaign – Broadway Dallas’ Give A Kid A Seat – was born. As a parent who has witnessed the anticipation and joy on my own children’s faces inspired by the magic of live theater and the positive effects it engenders, I understand how the Give A Kid A Seat fundraising campaign is essential to not only ensuring that underserved children experience live Broadway performances, but also provide them with adventure, new perspectives, and a place to dream.
“Each year, Broadway Dallas raises funds to provide thousands of students from underserved neighborhoods free tickets to attend Broadway shows with accompanying engagement activities. For the majority of these kids, it is their very first time experiencing live theater. The highlight of the year is a dedicated matinee performance for Dallas ISD students who fill the Music Hall at Fair Park to attend one of the season’s shows. These students also participate in eight sessions of STEAM-based curriculum taught by Broadway Dallas teaching artists. In 2021, the students learned Adobe Creative Cloud to create marketing campaigns for ‘Hamilton’ and were then treated to an exclusive performance. The students just completed this semester’s wrap-around curriculum where they were introduced to AUTOCAD and its use in lighting design in ‘Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations,’ which they had the opportunity to see in September.
“The Education Ensemble has a current goal of raising $50,000 for Give A Kid A Seat. My wish this holiday season is for you to join us in fulfilling our commitment to bring the magic of Broadway to 500 children. Just $100 will underwrite the cost of a seat for one student; $500 will provide five students the opportunity to see a Broadway Dallas show; $1,000 will give seats to 10 students; and $3,000 will make it possible for an entire class to discover the magic of live theater together.
“Give the gift of Broadway through Give A Kid A Seat today!
“Donations to Give A Kid A Seat are fully tax-deductible. For more information, please visit https://broadwaydallas.org/support/give-a-kid-a-seat/ or call 214.426.6333.”
* Graphic/photo provided by Broadway Dallas
