Oklahoma Children's Theatre

PROJECT PURPOSE

Oklahoma Children's Theatre is a non-profit organization that provides accessible live theatre, educational classes, school break camps, and creative events. Additionally, we tour the educational theatre and literacy programs in classrooms and communities throughout Oklahoma. We seek to build a youth-oriented community facility that includes theatre and performance spaces, multi-use classrooms, event spaces, and an outdoor playground. This facility will be our central hub for our statewide arts and educational programs and become a resource for non-profit, community, and education partners.

EVIDENCE

Significant studies have demonstrated the benefit of the creative arts as a tool to facilitate healthy child development, encourage innovation, strengthen educational outcomes, improve self-esteem, and strengthen family and community relationships. The development of this facility would enable us to deliver affordable and accessible programs to children throughout Oklahoma, ensuring every child has the chance to realize their full potential.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Effects of the pandemic have disproportionately affected children and families, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds, English language learners, and Black and Hispanic families. Specifically, children suffered a prolonged "learning loss" through disrupted schooling and school closures, which have profoundly affected educational development and pose long-term consequences for educational outcomes and success. The funding of this project will enable us to develop long-term accessible opportunities that strengthen educational outcomes, family relationships and reduce inequality of access.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

OCT is committed to accurate and ongoing data collection. Project performance will be identified through the following metrics: 1) Completion of construction 2) Utilization of space 3) Number of Oklahomans benefitting from our programming 4) Utilization of space by community partners 5) Economic impact

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma