Theater changes lives—and I’ve seen it happen again and again. For over 10 years, I’ve taught in a bilingual elementary school, creating spaces where every child—no matter their background—can discover their voice. This year, we want to give our students something truly special: an after-school theater club where they can explore acting, storytelling, and stagecraft in a safe, supportive environment.

Through theater, students will build confidence, learn teamwork, and express themselves in ways that transcend language barriers.

Many of our students come from underserved communities, where access to arts programming is limited or expensive. In the classroom, I see their creativity shine, but they need a place where that spark can grow beyond academics. As a bilingual educator, I know how powerful it is for students to see themselves in the spotlight- imagining who they might become while honoring who they are and where they come from.

Your support will help us ensure 40-50 students are able to participate in the Disney Kids Musical experience this year. We hope to provide a generous student to teacher ratio for our afterschool theater arts program so that students are safe and teachers feel supported in establishing a sustainable after school club committed to acting, singing, and dancing. We hope this program lasts for many years to come, so that students at our school have the chance to step into the spotlight—some for the first time—and discover they have something important to say. Together, we can give these young artists a stage, an audience, and the belief that their voices matter.

Sincerely,

Aubrey Donaldson and Team

3rd Grade Multilingual Learner Teacher

Sandburg Elementary