Tucson, AZ – This spring the Fox Tucson Theatre is the recipient of significant grant funding supporting new and exciting developments in the KITT (Kids in the Theatre) program. Support from Angel Charity for Children, Downtown Tucson Partnership, The Hazen Family Foundation, The Stocker Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts will enable the Fox to greatly expand existing youth programming, create new initiatives, and deepen impact now and into the future.
“We’re so proud to carry on the Fox Tucson’s nearly 100-year commitment to kids that started with the Mickey Mouse Club. Today, we are building a robust, inclusive, family-centered program that is responsive and relevant to community needs. It is thrilling to have local, regional, and national funders all recognizing the impact that the Fox’s education and community engagement programs have on Tucson’s youth and families! We are excited to partner with so many grantmakers, leveraging nearly $110,000 of charitable support to ensure that the 24-25 Kids in the Theatre program of school shows, family shows, and summer kids activities are the absolute best yet,” said Fox Executive Director Bonnie Schock.
Under the leadership of Fox Outreach and Education Manager Jordan Wiley-Hill, school shows at the Fox reached an all-time peak this year. Beginning in 2018, the Fox had one school matinee show that was attended by several hundred students. In the 2023/24 season the program grew to 8 performances and served over 8,000 students and educators. For the 2024-25 season,10 school-time performances are planned. In addition, in 2024 thus far, there have been 14 different opportunities for students and artists to connect via workshops and discussion groups.
Most of this season’s KITT events included additional accessibility components, including ASL interpreters (plus Mexican sign language for the bilingual show!), audio description, and Spanish-to-English language translation. The majority of the students served are from Title I (underserved) schools. Teachers frequently reported that for many of their students it was their first time experiencing live performing arts. For tickets and additional information on 2024-25 shows visit https://foxtucson.com/ or call 520- 547-3040.
2024 GRANT FUNDING
Angel Charity - $32,500
This grant will support the Angel Charity Performing Arts and Autism Program at the Fox, an initiative designed specifically for youth with autism. After a week of in-class workshops, the program culminates in two autism-friendly school matinee performances plus a public “Magic on the Stage” show by Dr. Kevin Spencer, a nationally recognized leader in performance and education for youth with autism.
Downtown Tucson Partnership - $1350
DTP's Social Justice Committee awarded this grant to develop free programs/events presented in Downtown Tucson that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and reach out to underserved communities. The grant supports the 2024 Monsoon Literacy Event, which will focus on the connection between literacy and accessibility/inclusivity.
Stocker Foundation - $30,000
This grant sustains the Kids In The Theatre (KITT) STEAM and Page-to-Stage shows including “The Science of Pirates”, on Tuesday Nov. 19, 2024, and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus- the Musical!”, on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. Specifically, this funding ensures that these shows are more accessible to students in Title I schools, and it supports a range of supplemental educational opportunities built around the shows in partnership with local education and youth development organizations.
NEA Grant - $20,000
This grant supports The Urban Moves project - a pairing of high-energy, youth focused, physically spectacular, BIPOC performances and educational residencies at the historic Fox Tucson for the 2024-2025 season. The shows are "Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies" in February of 2025, and the "360 All Stars" in November 2024. Syncopated Ladies' self-described "black girl magic" approach to performance makes them more than a powerhouse tap squad with tight moves set to music of prominent black culture-makers like Prince and Beyonce. They are inspiring black-female leaders, entrepreneurs, and examples of living joyfully through solidarity and determination. The 360 All Stars blend hip-hop performance elements with a street-inspired circus. World record-holding athletes and artists show off their mad skills in BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming, rap and more. It is a thrilling physical performance that explores all forms of rotation, showcasing the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.
Hazen Family Foundation $25,000
The Hazen Family Foundation facilitates both school and family shows at the Fox to be more accessible to students in Title I schools and youth facing adversity in the community. Events in 24-25 season include these school shows: “A Musical, Cinematic Journey through US and AZ History,” on Friday, October 18, 2024; “Around the Americas, with ¡Uno, Dos, Tres Andrés!” on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024; “Stolen Moments: The First 100 Years of Jazz” on January 28, 2025; and “Syncopated Ladies, Live” on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
The Crown Jewel of Tucson. We make Memories. We make Connections. We make Tucson Proud.
ABOUT THE FOX
The Fox Tucson Theatre enlivens Tucson, fostering community growth and connections by shaping exceptional, live arts experiences in a celebrated setting. The “Crown Jewel of Downtown” makes memories, makes connections, and makes Tucson proud. Programming includes exciting year-round live entertainment from the top entertainers in the US, as well as community produced events, classic movies, family programming, and more. Beautifully restored, the historic 1930’s Art Deco theatre Fox has become an important symbol of the resurgence of a thriving city center and continues to contribute to the economic growth in the region. The Fox Tucson Theatre is located at 17 W Congress. Fox Fan Seats! are offered for most shows for only $20 – first come, first served, as they sell out fast. For additional information and Covid protocol requirements please visit foxtucson.com or call the box office at 520-547-3040.
Follow the Fox: Facebook: FoxTucsonTheatre Instagram: FoxTucson Twitter: TheFoxTucson TikTok: FoxTucson
###