In their own words
Learn more about the profound impact Dallas Children’s Theater has on the lives of children, please read the stories and personal accounts below.
Through your tax-deductible contribution, you have the power to impact the lives of countless children by helping them feel like a star. You can bring literature to life for them and instill in them the confidence to succeed.
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Meet our "stars"
 Jessica
Describe yourself and what you do now and a little bit about your background.
I am a mom, wife and teacher. I grew up in Dallas, but moved around quite a bit since then. I majored in Theater Education at Emerson in Boston. I transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University to earn my BFA. After graduation, I taught Middle School drama in the South Bronx. Eventually I received my masters in Inclusive Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I am now an Elementary teacher.
How would you characterize your time spent at Dallas Children's Theater?
My time at DCT was the most joyful, nurturing and creative time of my life. I have dyslexia so school was very stressful for me. And at home life was also filled with the struggles of homework I couldn’t complete. But at DCT, that didn’t matter, I was a star. It was the place I looked into my father’s proud eyes and took my first bow, the place I learned to read, the first place I drove when I got my license, where I met my first crush, and the place I earned my first paycheck. How can I characterize all of these times one way? I can’t, but I can tell you, it was a place I felt safe to experience, explore and grow up happy.
What impact did your time at DCT have on your life?
I cannot imagine my life without DCT. Like I said, I have severe dyslexia so school was really difficult for me, particularly learning to read. But at DCT, I knew the words because we lived the words, with funny voices, deep breaths and purposeful movement, they all made sense. By living the scripts, I learned to read the scripts. And I took this knowledge and used it to learn to read everything else. Now I have a masters from Columbia University, so I guess it worked!
Why should people donate to DCT?
It takes a village to raise a child. As much as my family and school may have wanted to give me the wings DCT gave me, they couldn’t. There is not one size fit for anyone, but DCT “fits” a lot of kids who would otherwise fall through the cracks of our society. The children of Dallas deserve a place created just for them. A place designed to give every child the confidence they need to allow their voice to be heard, not just in the back row but in every arena of their lives.
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 Evan
Describe yourself and what you do now and a little bit about your background.
I am currently living out in Los Angeles and working as a screenwriter in the movie biz. I grew up in Dallas, spending most of my childhood days at the Dallas Children’s Theater. I went up to film school at NYU in New York City. My first real screenwriting job was writing Masters of the Universe for Warner Bros., a feature film adaptation of the He-Man toys/cartoon. Soon thereafter, my original script Shrapnel was optioned and it’s now in pre-production with John McTiernan slated to direct and John Travolta attached to star. This past fall, another original script of mine called Snow White and the Huntsman sold in a bidding war to Universal Studios. Over the past few months, Universal has assembled an amazing cast including Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, and Chris Hemsworth.
Is there anything you might not have discovered had it not been for DCT?
Although I had always been a movie fan and had made little “backyard” movies in my spare time, DCT surprisingly provided my first real glimpse into the behind the scenes aspects of filmmaking. From very early on, Karl Schaeffer was doing “Makin’ Movies” classes at DCT; I took my first class with Karl when I was eight or nine years old. From that point on, I took almost every movie making, filmmaking and TV sitcom class that DCT had to offer. To this day, I still use tools that I learned in those classes. Frankly, I might not have had a career in the film industry without the time I spent at DCT.
Why should people donate to DCT?
Although great stories are being told and great movies are being made in Hollywood, it remains primarily a profit-making enterprise. It’s easy for movie studios to make millions of dollars when they feature 3D imagery, CGI visual effects and famous movie stars… the huge ticket prices and exorbitant popcorn costs don’t hurt either. DCT, on the other hand, is a non-profit organization, whose main interest is mounting professional, high-quality live theater for the whole family. As such, they need and deserve your support!
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 Crystal Mary
Describe yourself and what you do now and a little bit about your background.
I am an only child to a single mother, and I was born and raised in Dallas. I cannot recall my first acting role; my actress mom held me as an infant during a stage production so I’ve always been involved with performing arts.
After graduation, I attended DePaul University in Chicago and initially my bachelors degree was in theatre studies but I switched to computer graphics & animation with double-minor in theatre studies and art. I had a curiosity about designing simple visual stories versus physical ones, which reminded me of some mime elements. It was at the art department that I also discovered photography, narrowing the storytelling to single visual moments. I got my degree and did freelance photography in New York. But when the recession hit, I found myself working administrative roles. I learned a lot about talent development, recruiting, and training programs, and quickly realized how much of the corporate arena resembled a theatrical stage production—with players (employees), directors (management), producers (shareholders), etc.
How would you characterize your time spent at DCT?
When my mother joined DCT staff in 1988, I spent more time there after school or weekends. So I got to run around a lot. Other staff children did the same, and we played games, snuck into rehearsals, watched the technicians setup, explored the greenroom...everything! For obvious reasons, my imagination was really heightened in that environment. I discovered costumes and makeup, and I discovered how funny and tolerant the staff was to us lively theater kids. In my imagination, I was constantly on an exploration around the building, falling in love with each discovery. I had an incredible amount of fun.
Is there anything you might not have discovered had you not had the DCT experience?
My courage to stand alone. If Nancy Schaeffer had not cast me as Beth in “Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” I don’t know that I would have auditioned for lead roles in the future realizing major responsibilities of monologues, being center stage, or talking directly to large audiences. Beth’s character rounded out a stage filled with bunches of rambunctious kids in an action-packed story. I learned then how to command attention when appropriate and be heard above the rest. Those skills and especially that courage have been very useful throughout my life ever since.
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 Christian
Describe yourself, what you do now and a little about your background.
I’m fifteen years old. I’ve lived in Dallas all of my life, and I recently finished my freshman year at Lake Highlands High School.
What childhood character are you most like and why?
I like to compare myself with the cartoon character Arthur. Arthur is very family oriented, as am I. I love spending time with my family and I’m extremely close with all of them. Arthur may get into some trouble at times but always seems to get himself through it with the help of family and friends.
How would you characterize your time at DCT?
I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it at any other theater. I’ve taken some summer camps here and there at different theaters, but I always feel more at home when I’m at DCT. Dallas Children’s Theater is like my second family and I think it always will be. It is the best place for a little aspiring actor to go and fulfill his dream.
Is there anything you might not have discovered had it not been for DCT?
I have met so many great people at DCT and they have given me so many opportunities to explore and grow. In Crescent Players, I have learned about other parts of theater. Also, this summer I helped out with the summer camps. This was my first year, and it was an amazing experience. I had taken the very same class I was helping out with, and it was extremely thrilling for me to watch what I must have been like when I was that age, how far I’ve come, and how much DCT has taught me. Without DCT I wouldn’t have met some of the most amazing people and wouldn’t have been exposed to this amazing family theater.
How would you describe DCT to someone who had never participated?
DCT is the best theater in Dallas to introduce your child or yourself. Each season has shows for people of all ages, and DCT will always welcome you with open arms.
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