The Marilyn Rodman Theatre for Kids program, a collaboration between the Ride for Kids charity and arts organizations such as Broadway Across America-Boston and the Boston Ballet, introduces the wonder of live theatre to at risk-children in need of positive experiences in an effort to expose them to new possibilities and inspire a lifelong love of performing arts.

The Marilyn Rodman Theatre for Kids program was highlighted with a special night at Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker in 2009. For the second consecutive year, Theatre for Kids bought the house and sent over 2,000 at-risk children to see this legendary performance at the Boston Opera House, creating special holiday memories that will last a lifetime. The Nutcracker was the grand finale on a fantastic year in the Theatre for Kids program, with other events including Sleeping Beauty and Peter & the Wolf. Children also had the opportunity to attend a performance of the Boston Philharmonic.

As always, all tickets were distributed at no cost to non-profit organizations and schools that serve at-risk youth in the Greater Boston area. Thanks to our partners, Broadway Across America-Boston and The Boston Ballet, along with our generous donors, all tickets were either donated or purchased by the Theatre forKids program at a discount.

A true testament to Marilyn Rodman’s desire to share the arts with all children, over 30,000 tickets have been distributed to at- risk kids since her namesake program’s inception in 2003. As we look ahead into 2010, Theatre for Kids looks to hone in on its mission ever more, targeting specific youth audiences for each show in an effort to reach out to a more diverse group than ever.