As Arlington Children's Theatre celebrates its 35th Anniversary Season, I have reflected on what makes ACT so special.

Over the past year, I've had the privilege of listening to students, families, teaching artists, alumni, staff, board members, and community partners. Through surveys, conversations, focus groups, and countless hours spent in rehearsals and performances, one thing became clear: ACT has always been about more than putting on shows. It's about creating opportunities for young people to grow, connect, discover their voice, and realize what they're capable of.

As we planned this milestone season, I found myself returning to a belief that has guided my work as an educator and arts leader: success is measured not only by what young people accomplish on stage, but by who they become along the way.

While much has changed over the past 35 years, the heart of ACT remains the same: providing young people with a place to belong, create, and grow.

In a world where genuine connection can often feel increasingly rare, theatre offers something profoundly human. It brings young people together to tell stories, solve problems, build community, and express themselves creatively. At its best, theatre reminds us not only how to perform, but how to connect.

As ACT engaged in strategic planning this year, our community helped define a vision for the future of the organization; one that uses theatre as a vehicle for youth development and empowers young people to grow as artists, leaders, collaborators, and engaged members of their communities. That work led to the development of ACT's Educational Philosophy and Framework, centered on the pillars of Agency, Community, and Transformative Learning. This framework became a guiding force in the development of our season, helping us create intentional opportunities for young people to learn, lead, connect, and grow through theatre.

As a result, this season was designed not only around great stories, but around meaningful opportunities for growth. From the courage and hope of Hadestown, to the collective action of Newsies Jr., the belonging of High School Musical Jr., the community dialogue opportunities with The Diary of Anne Frank, the timeless lessons of our Shakespeare Festival, and the imagination and inclusivity of Seussical, a common thread runs through this season: the power of young people to discover their voice, share their gifts, and make a difference.

This season also marks the beginning of several exciting new chapters for ACT. Following a successful pilot this spring, we'll fully launch ACTors Lab, our conservatory-style training program, continue our Masterclass Series with theatre professionals from across the industry, perform and engage with new plays written by local artists, and introduce our Emerging Arts Leaders Fellowship, empowering teens to work alongside theatre professionals while mentoring our youngest performers.

As part of our 35th Anniversary celebration, ACT performers will take the stage at 54 Below in New York City alongside Broadway artists and special guests for Boston to Broadway; an exciting opportunity for young artists to celebrate how far they've come while imagining what's possible next.

And these initiatives are only the beginning. In the months ahead, we'll share more about an exciting new partnership and long-awaited home for many of ACT's programs and performances as we continue building the future of our organization.

As we celebrate 35 years of Arlington Children's Theatre, we are proud of everything that has come before us. More importantly, we are excited about what comes next. This season is not only a reflection on our past; it is an investment in our future.

Thank you for being part of the ACT community. Whether you've been with us for decades or are just joining us for the first time, we are grateful to have you on this journey.

We can't wait to share this season with you.

See you at the theatre.

Emily Garven
Artistic Director
Arlington Children's Theatre