On September 24, 2025, Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Children’s Education Program transformed Bass Performance Hall into more than just a stage, it became a classroom of imagination, possibility, and inspiration. Seventy-five Fort Worth ISD students were granted an extraordinary opportunity: an exclusive sneak peek into the National Broadway tour of Life of Pi, a theatrical marvel that has captivated audiences across the nation.
What unfolded that day was not merely an outing to the theatre, but a carefully curated immersion into the world of professional performance. Students began their journey in dialogue with the very artists who bring Life of Pi to life, including the awe-inspiring presence of Richard Parker, the life-size Bengal tiger puppet who prowls the stage with both grace and grandeur. Moderated by Performing Arts Fort Worth’s President & CEO, Dione Kennedy, alongside Senior Vice President of Operations Jason Wise, the panel invited students to ask questions, exchange perspectives, and glimpse the artistry and discipline behind Broadway magic.
From there, students broke out into masterclasses led by local professional actors, sessions designed not just to teach technique, but to awaken confidence, creativity, and collaboration. The day culminated with the evening performance of Life of Pi, for many marking their very first Broadway experience.
Expanding Access Through Broadway Bridges
Behind this remarkable day stands the vision of Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Director of Education and Community Engagement, Taylor Woods, who emphasized the importance of access:
“Over one hundred Fort Worth ISD students applied to experience this intensive, and through a lottery system, over 60 were selected from 9 high schools. None of this would be possible without our wonderful donors and, of course, the fabulous touring company of Life of Pi. Thanks to them, many of these students were able to attend their first-ever Broadway performance”.
This initiative was also supported by Broadway Bridges at Bass Performance Hall, a partnership with The Broadway League designed to expand access to Broadway touring productions for high school students. This season alone, the Children’s Education Program will welcome over 400 students and educators to Broadway performances in Fort Worth.
A Place for All Students
For Kennedy, the experience was deeply tied to Performing Arts Fort Worth’s mission of inclusivity:
“Our students are at the very core of what we do. Whether this is their first time walking through our doors, or they return with fond memories of participating in the program from previous years, we hope every student in every grade always feels welcome and knows that this is a place for them”.
The sentiment was echoed by Fort Worth ISD leadership. Nicholas Morris, Dance and Theatre Coordinator for Visual and Performing Arts, reflected on the powerful messaging students received:
“There was a shared message that everybody has a unique journey and it’s never too late to get started. This was both encouraging and impactful for our students”.
More Than a Show
At its core, Life of Pi is a story of resilience, hope, and the human spirit’s boundless imagination. For these students, experiencing the show in tandem with masterclasses and artist mentorship turned theatre into something more profound: a mirror to their own potential and a window into the many paths their futures might hold.
As Jason Wise summarized:
“Live theatre allows us to forget the outside world for a while and share in the same magical experience, together. Hopefully, after spending the day acting, learning, laughing, and experiencing a show together, these students come away with a different viewpoint on the world around them”.
A Lasting Impression
For one remarkable day in September, Bass Performance Hall became a sanctuary of curiosity, artistry, and empowerment. In the words of those who witnessed it, the smiles, the questions, and the wide-eyed wonder of Fort Worth’s youth are proof that access to the arts is not just a luxury, it is a necessity.
Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Children’s Education Program continues to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to step into the grandeur of live theatre and leave with something far greater: the belief that the stage of life is theirs to claim.
To explore more about the Children’s Education Program and its impact, visit: basshall.com
