See these and more stories at http://pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org/about-us/stories-from-pht/

Some see art as an “extra” addition to youth programming.

We see it as essential. The images in our gallery here should help to explain why.

Sophie, a disabled toddler in our childcare center, spoke for the first time after months of building trust through art. Emiliano overcame frustration, learned patience, and become the first in his class to walk on stilts. Bella transformed into The Strawberry Ninja onstage to battle her extreme shyness. Antonio built a high school residency into an opportunity to work in professional theatre.

These opportunities were simply not possible without Pillsbury House Theatre Artists bringing quality arts experiences to youth programs.

Building arts experiences into existing programming at Pillsbury House will cost $100,000 in 2013. We’ve lined up most of that funding, and invite you to help us secure the rest by June 30.

Help us raise $40,000 over the next seven months to keep high quality arts experiences at the core of all of our work at Pillsbury House + Theatre.