Was it really, truly 40 years ago that North Texas’ Dallas Children’s Theater was born in 1984 as Robyn Flatt‘s brainchild? All she had was her dream, $500 and a heaping amount of determination.
Thanks to Robyn and others who saw the importance of nurturing creativity in youngsters, North Texas kids have embraced the magic of the performing arts, including sensory-friendly activities, for four decades.
As DCT Executive Director Samantha Turner said, “At its heart, DCT is all about storytelling through the power of live theater. We love immersing young curious children in imaginative stories of heroes conquering the world and learning important life lessons. In the end, these are tales that inspire the young and the young-at-heart.”
And talk about the magic inspired by the founders’ efforts! With the support of individuals and organizations like the late Caroline Rose Hunt and her daughter Laurie Sands Harrison, they magically turned the 58,000-square foot Don Carter Bowling Alley into a theatrical complex perfectly designed for productions for and/or by children.
But it wasn’t done on dreams and pixie dust alone. No, it took a commitment to the performing arts fueled by fundraising activities like the upcoming Dallas Children’s Theater’s 40th Birthday Celebration being chaired by sisters Eugenia Cass and Camelia Lopez Shoemaker on Friday, March 22, at Union Station.
And speaking of the magic of the performing arts, the evening will feature America’s Got Talent Season 16 winner magician Dustin Tavella!
In addition to Dustin performing acts of wonder, DJ Lucy Wrubel will provide the musical backdrop throughout the evening.
According to Camelia, “Dallas Children’s Theater has brought engaging programs to children and families throughout Dallas-Fort Worth for 40 years, and we are honoring that while toasting to our future.”
Sponsorships and tickets are available here, while raffle tickets for the luxury raffle tickets can be snapped up here.
* Graphic courtesy of Dallas Children's Theater