“With budget cutbacks in schools, the arts program is limited, especially for Kindergarten. This exposure activates their right brain to restore balance to their education.”
- Kirstin Berez, Kindergarten Teacher, Riley Elementary
Through SLAC's Title I Arts Education Program, over 2,000 students are welcomed into our theatre to see our children’s play, over ten free field trip matinee performances. Children fill the theatre with their classmates and watch a well-loved children’s book come to life on stage. This program is unique in that it is created exclusively for them, by a professional theatre company–and it inspires a love for reading, ignites creativity, and explores life’s endless possibilities.
SLAC launched its annual professional children’s production in 2009, including free field trip performances for underserved Title I schoolchildren. Title I schools serve low-income and more academically at-risk students. As a refuge city, the Salt Lake community welcomes families from across the globe. With a greater number of ethnic minority students than Caucasian, Salt Lake City School District is a minority-majority district with more than 100 languages spoken by its students and families.
The transformative power of theatre is never more apparent than when these students exit the theatre. Children that entered the building unsure of what to expect and shy shower us with gratitude, hugs and laughter as they leave. They thank us with letters and artwork, candidly critique our work, and make suggestions for the future. We take these joyous interactions and responses seriously and convey them to the staff and artistic crew. The words of these students are true gifts; they let us know we are on the right track in our theatrical endeavors and revitalize the entire theatre with their sincere appreciation for the work of all the artists who bring these stories to life on our stage.
Program Feedback from Teachers
“Many of our children simply would not ever get to experience the theatre without this opportunity. Thank you! The casts in your children's shows are always so perfect. They know how to keep children engaged and giggling without losing them.” -Woodrow Wilson Elementary
“Most lower socio-economic students would not have this opportunity at all without this invitation. I believe students are more connected to performing these days with the influence of social media. Having an appropriate educational experience with a professional acting company allows students to see that acting may be a viable option for themselves.” -Franklin Elementary
“This was great for them to experience theater. Many students do not get opportunities like this. Also making the connection between literature they have already read , or exposing them to books they might want to read makes reading exciting.” -North Star Elementary
Thanks to the generosity of the following local businesses and foundations for their generous support of this program.
- Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks Program
- Salt Lake City Arts Council
- B.W. Bastian Foundation
- John & Marcia Price Family Foundation
- Sorenson Legacy Foundation
- R. Harold Burton Foundation
- Herbert I. & Elsa B. Michael Foundation
- Henry W. & Leslie M. Eskuche Foundation
If you are interested in sponsoring this vital program, please contact us.
