The 2024–2025 season of Arts4Youth has been an incredible success, with each performance offering unique opportunities for students to experience the arts in diverse and engaging ways. From interactive puppet shows to science-themed performances, the events were met with enthusiasm and positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents alike.
While we encountered logistical challenges—particularly with transportation—these experiences have provided valuable insights that will help us refine and improve future programming. We look forward to building on the success of this season, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to experience the joy and educational value of live theatre in the years to come.
Here is some of the fun planned for the 2025-26 season!
Pegasus and the Story of the Stars – October 22, 2024
While Pegasus and the Story of the Stars had a modest turnout of four students and their parents, it remains a noteworthy event for several reasons. This intimate puppet performance offered a highly interactive experience, where the puppeteer engaged directly with the children, inviting them to participate in the storytelling. The children were captivated by the lively atmosphere and the hands-on approach kept them engaged throughout.
The small turnout was primarily due to a scheduling conflict with a large FWPS group. Despite this, the interactive nature of the performance made it a memorable experience for attendees.
Following this engagement, we improved communication with educators and schools to prevent scheduling conflicts and ensure better participation. The event was still a success in its own right, as the children enjoyed a unique and personalized experience.
Frindle – December 3 & 4, 2024
Frindle marked a significant milestone as our first show dedicated exclusively to a specific grade level. This performance targeted all third-grade students in the Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) and the turnout was outstanding. With 1,646 students and 251 chaperones in attendance, the event demonstrated a clear demand for such engaging experiences.
The performance also focused on inclusivity, with accommodations made for students with special needs, such as adjusted seating arrangements and sensory considerations. For many of the students, this was their first experience with live theatre, with 58% indicating they had never attended a performance before. The event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with 98% of students expressing enjoyment and 75% indicating interest in attending future performances.
This success showcased the power of live theatre in sparking interest and excitement among students, especially when the experience is accessible and inclusive. We look forward to continuing this initiative in the future, providing similar opportunities for other grade levels.
Doktor Kaboom! – February 26 & 27, 2025
Doktor Kaboom! was our second exclusive grade-level performance, this time for all 6th-grade students in FWPS. The event saw a remarkable turnout of 1,401 students and 223 chaperones, making it one of the largest events of the season. The dynamic science-themed performance was designed to show students how science is present in everyday life, and the interactive nature of the show kept students engaged from start to finish.
Doktor Kaboom’s ability to pull students onto the stage to participate in experiments added an exciting hands-on element. Some of the experiments were directed at the audience, creating thrilling moments.
We’re already working with FWPS to ensure that teachers specializing in science are more involved in future events. This will help improve engagement and provide a more focused experience for students.
Ada Twist Scientist & Friends – March 25, 2025
Ada Twist Scientist & Friends was our second open enrollment Arts4Youth program of the year, and it was a huge success. The performance attracted 467 students and 104 chaperones, making it one of the largest open enrollments attended events of the season. The show was geared towards younger audiences, with attendees ranging from preschool to 4th grade. Many students were attending their first live performance, making it a special experience for them.
The event was particularly notable for the diverse range of schools in attendance, including four FWPS schools, four private schools, and several homeschool groups. One private school brought an impressive 150 students, while some homeschool groups had attended previous Arts4Youth events like Missoula Children’s Theatre. The excitement from the students was palpable, and the positive feedback from parents and teachers reflected the event’s success.
This performance demonstrated the value of offering interactive, educational experiences for younger audiences. Moving forward, we aim to continue providing engaging and memorable performances like Ada Twist for future generations of students.
The Paʻakai We Bring – Honolulu Theatre for Youth – April 23, 2025
The final performance of the 2024–2025 season, The Paʻakai We Bring, was a powerful and culturally significant production. Presented by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth, this show focused on the representation of Pacific Islander and Polynesian culture. It resonated deeply with students, particularly those from similar cultural backgrounds, as well as educators who were eager to expose their students to more culturally relevant content.
The event drew 303 students and 37 chaperones, with attendees coming from four FWPS schools and a small group from Green River Montessori. Many teachers had registered specifically due to the cultural alignment of the show with their students’ backgrounds, reflecting the growing demand for more diverse programming.
The performance was highly interactive, encouraging students to engage with the content and performers. A post-performance Q&A session allowed students to ask thoughtful questions, showing their genuine interest in the themes presented. The Paʻakai We Bring successfully wrapped up the season with an important and impactful performance. It highlighted the power of culturally relevant programming, and we are excited to build on this momentum for the 2025–2026 season.
Marty Isenberg Masterclass – March 21, 2025
A special jazz masterclass was held for the student jazz bands of Decatur High School, Federal Way High School, and Todd Beamer High School. The event featured Marty Isenberg, a renowned jazz double bassist based in New York City. Isenberg has toured nationally, performed in numerous Broadway musicals, and is the founder and CEO of the Clinton Hill Music School in Brooklyn.
Students were given a unique opportunity to work directly with Isenberg and his band. The session included a live performance of a piece from their debut album, “The Way I Feel Inside: Inspired by the Films of Wes Anderson.” Students also participated in a Q&A session where they asked about careers in music, and they engaged in a play-along session where they received live coaching and personalized tips from Isenberg.
The masterclass also gave students behind-the-scenes access to the band’s soundcheck and stage setup. All attendees were invited to stay and enjoy the full evening performance at no cost. In total, 54 students and teachers participated in this educational and inspiring experience.
Ian Martinez, Band Director at Federal Way High School, expressed his gratitude, saying, “The master class was a great opportunity for students to work with an active performer, and the performance itself was amazing and really moved some of my students.”
Marty Isenberg also reflected positively on the event, stating, “Thank you again for hosting us and making the event a special night. We really enjoyed working with the students—they were very cute greeting us afterwards (and signing their drumsticks, etc.).”
The event successfully connected students with a working professional artist and provided a meaningful experience that both inspired and enriched their musical development.