Less than 4% of public elementary schools offer theatre instruction, despite numerous studies on its benefits [increased communication skills and confidence, empathy for others, and improved reading comprehension, to name a few] - from Envisioning the Future of Theater for Young Audiences, a report by the NEA in 2019.

DC Public Schools is currently struggling with high rates of student absenteeism and low rates of grade-level reading proficiency. Anxiety and depression is spiking among young people nationwide. Theatre education programs help address these problems while ensuring there is a next generation of advocates and artists to support the industry: an important part of the cultural and economic life of DC.

We need a National Children’s Theatre to champion research-based theatre education programs in our schools and communities. Your donation helps us realize theatre education’s key role in developing an empathetic and engaged citizenry. Thank you for your generous support.