Every Kid at the PAC program kicking into high gear at Numerica PAC
The community-building efforts at the Numerica Performing Arts Center are about to kick into a higher gear with the theater expanding its Every Kid at the PAC program.
Every Kid at the PAC is an effort by the PAC and its board to make sure that every kid in the region has the opportunity to have an arts experience free of charge every single year. Now that is an audacious and inspiring goal and Executive Director Matt Cadman is well on his way to making that vision a reality. Eight school districts have signed on to be part of the Every Kid at the PAC program. They’ll provide the transportation for their kids to get to an age-appropriate program and the PAC has found funding in the community to deliver the programs.
Cadman, the long-time Eastmont educator, is passionate about addressing the opportunity gap that exists in our community between the haves and the have-nots. A high percentage of our kids are living in poverty and have few if any opportunities to attend an arts program. It is Cadman’s commitment to all of our kids that is the driving force behind Every Kid at the PAC, with the full support of his board, staff and his Latino Council, a diverse group of leaders who are helping him expand the offerings of the PAC.
Cadman’s enthusiasm is infectious. You cannot be around him without being impacted by the vision and want to help him make his dreams a reality. His vision and his enormous leadership capabilities have propelled the Numerica PAC to new heights in terms of financial performance. The theater’s annual budget has increased nearly 70 percent since he took over. The PAC is setting records for attendance, thanks to a strategy of having every show sponsored by businesses and individuals in the community.
“The future is so bright, we’re going to need shades,” said Cadman, stealing a line from a 1980s song. “We’re running on all cylinders,” he added. The PAC is fulfilling his vision of being a “community center with a stage.” Rehearsals are underway for the musical Elf Jr. by Stage Kids, a program that brings young kids to the theater to put on serious musical productions. That show will be on stage on Dec. 1-3.
Michelle McCormick, the founder of Stage Kids, has done a phenomenal job of creating unique opportunities to let kids take center stage. For Cadman, the partnership of Stage Kids and the PAC helps both organizations achieve their community service goals.
“Shouldn’t the arts be for everybody?” Cadman asks.
It’s that commitment to make sure that every youngster in the valley have an arts experience that fires his imagination. That dream is quickly becoming a reality as community members have lined up to support the vision.
What can community members do to support the PAC’s important community-building efforts? Well, memberships are a great way to provide annual support. The PAC’s Festival of Trees gala fundraiser is Nov. 19.
World photo/Mike Bonnicksen
Numerica Performing Arts Center director Matt Cadman has a powerful vision for the theater.
Matt Cadman
