At Childsplay, every season is a reminder of what’s possible when imagination meets opportunity. Thanks to the support of the Society for Imagination & Wonder (SIW), 2024–2025 was a year where more children than ever discovered the joy, empathy, and wonder that theatre inspires.
Why Arts Still Matter for Kids
Arizona consistently ranks near the bottom in per-pupil education funding—49th in the nation. When budgets tighten, arts programs are often the first to disappear. Yet research continues to show what we see every day: theatre changes lives. From boosting literacy and problem-solving skills to cultivating empathy and creativity, the arts give children the tools they need to thrive. A University of Arkansas study even found that students who attend live theatre retain more knowledge and process complex ideas more effectively than their peers.
SIW members make it possible for Childsplay to bring these benefits directly to classrooms, schools, and communities across Arizona. Together, we’re closing gaps in access and ensuring the arts are never considered optional.
A Year of Impact
In 2024–2025, Childsplay reached 81,889 children and families through seven full productions, 245 performances, and partnerships with 371 schools and organizations statewide. That’s not just numbers—it’s classrooms filled with laughter, students leaning forward with curiosity, and first-time theatre goers discovering a world of storytelling.
Creating Memories, Building Futures
From the sparkle in a child’s eye during Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! to the collective gasp of middle schoolers watching Anne Frank’s story unfold, these are the moments SIW makes possible. Each experience goes beyond the stage, shaping how children see themselves, their communities, and their potential.
And the joy doesn’t end when the curtain falls. Programs like Storybook Previews, sponsored by the Steele Foundation, sent children home with free books and activities—building libraries in households across the Valley and encouraging a love of reading.
Thank you for being part of the Society for Imagination & Wonder. With your partnership, we are building a brighter, more creative future for every child.