PHILOSOPHY A strong, well-developed arts education is a requirement for the realization of the potential in each human being. It has been demonstrated and documented by the "Rockefeller Report" that the study of the arts enhances the acquisition of the "three R's" and develops an adaptability and creative approach to the application of the basic skills, which are so important in our rapidly changing world.
THE NEED Children need an introduction to an appreciation of the arts, and our city needs a series of performing arts programs selected and designed especially for children. These programs must be of the finest quality available. We want our children to look forward to each new experience with the performing arts.
HISTORY The Children's Fine Arts Series began in 1982 as a community project and fund-raiser of the Judson Montessori School. In 1988, the Series became an independent non-profit organization. In 1989, we offered the first day shows for schools. Of the 4,500 that attended, 2,500 from the SAISD attended free of charge. Since that time every season, 5,000 to 10,000 attend free of charge from our underserved areas. Generous contributions from individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations and government agencies make it possible for the Children's Fine Arts Series to serve 30,000 children each year. As well as school children and families, we also serve organizations involved with children and families. Each season the Children's Shelter, Big Brothers & Sisters, St. PJ's, Boysville, AVANCE, Healey Murphy CDC, Women's Shelter, SAMM Shelter, Positive Beginnings, and others attend free of charge. We make every effort to serve as many children as possible.
CONCEPT
The performances are one hour in length to accommodate the attention
span of the young child, and are chosen to enrich, educate and
entertain. Music, dance, drama, and song create an environment
rich with color, sound, and movement to delight the senses of
our young audience.
Dear
Friends,
Join us as we celebrate twenty-six years of presenting performing
arts programs for our young children.
The 2008-2009 Season brings an array of outstanding productions.
We continue to strive to offer our children innovative, educational
and most importantly entertaining productions to delight our young
audience. The performances are one hour to accommodate the attention
span of the young child. Music, dance, drama and song fill the
theatre creating an environment rich with color, sound and movement
to engage and sustain audience interest.
Many of the national and international professional touring groups
that we present are acclaimed as the outstanding performing groups
available for children. While the productions often deal with
issues relevant to children in today's society, the most important
ingredient is fun. We strive to make this experience one that
will fill them with a sense of wonder and an eagerness for more.
For many children this is their first experience with a live production,
we want it to be a joyous memorable one.
Since 1982 the Children's Fine Arts Series has presented such
outstanding performers as The Little Angels from Korea, TheatreBeyondWords-
Canada, Visible Fiction-Scotland, Theatre Terra-the Netherlands,
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, Kennedy Center on Tour, Riders
in the Sky, Tanglewood Entertainment, Saigon Water Puppets of
Ho Chi Minh City, Paul Taylor Dance, Natyanjali Dance Company,
Lyric Opera of San Antonio, Ballet Austin and the Salzburg Marionettes.
In 1989 the Children's Fine Arts Series began presenting performances
for pre-schools and elementary schools. Over 150,000 children
and adults from our inner city schools, Title I schools and from
organizations involved with children and families have attended
our shows free of charge. Our performing arts programs are made
possible by the generous contributions of corporations, foundations,
government agencies and individuals, as well as many volunteers.
The Children's Fine Arts Series is the only presenter of performing
arts in San Antonio for young children, exclusively.
Join us as we educate, enrich and entertain our children while
nourishing their spirit. Bring a child and share the wonder and
excitement!
Kathleen Cuny Miller
Executive Director
Season supported in part by Arts Center Enterprises, Texas Commission on the Arts, City of San Antonio, Office of Cultural Affairs, San Antonio Express-News, Trinity University, Las Casas Foundation, theFund, The Tobin Endowment, Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, Nathalie & Gladys Dalkowitz Charitable Trust, David and Betty Sacks Foundation, The Elizabeth Huth Coates Foundation, Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts, and Target.