Your Impact
A message from executive director Lacey Schirmers
Thanks to you, Great River Educational Arts Theatre (GREAT) is full of creativity, connection, and possibility.
As we celebrate another remarkable year, we reflect on all you made possible. Your support introduces students to the magic of live theatre through drama workshops and student matinees, builds life skills through summer camps and school residencies, empowers young artists to lead productions of their own, and produces high-quality theatre that brings people together. This strengthens our community, contributes to the vitality of our region, and makes every step of the journey possible.
Because of you, young people discovered confidence, audiences found connection, volunteers found purpose, and thousands of people experienced the joy of live theatre. You helped shape future leaders and create spaces where people of all ages could learn, grow, and find a sense of belonging.
Every story reminds us that people are changed through connection. The stories shared on our stages and in our community were made possible because of you. Your support removed barriers, created opportunities, and ensured more people could experience the transformative power of theatre.
This report celebrates GREAT’s story from the past year…a story that began with you. Inside, you’ll discover the many ways your support shaped this season and the future you’re helping create.
Thank you for believing in GREAT and in the power of storytelling to change lives. Together, we’re building a future where even more people can learn, grow, connect, and belong through theatre.
With gratitude,
-Lacey Schirmers
Drama Workshops
A Story of belonging.
Your support brought the joy of theatre directly into schools and community spaces through our Drama Workshops, creating opportunities for young people to connect, express themselves, and build relationships through creative play. Offered at no cost to youth or partner organizations, these workshops removed financial barriers so every child could participate. For many, it was their first theatre experience—a place where they discovered confidence, connection, and a true sense of belonging.
Student Matinees
A Story of wonder.
Your support made live theatre accessible to thousands of students through deeply discounted student matinee performances, with many tickets provided at no cost to schools. For many, it was their first experience with live theatre, opening the door to imagination, empathy, and the joy of shared storytelling. By removing financial barriers, you helped ensure every student had the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts.
Residencies
A Story of Discovery.
Your support removed cost and transportation barriers, ensuring every fifth-grade student in our partner schools experienced the joy of creating a musical as part of their school day. In just one week, students discovered new talents, built confidence, and worked together toward a shared goal before performing for their classmates and families. Along the way, teachers and families discovered new strengths in their students, reminding us that every child has unique gifts waiting to be uncovered.
Summer Camps
A Story of Opportunity.
Your support made summer camp possible for more young people through our Pick-Your-Price registration model, ensuring cost was never a barrier to participate. Nearly $50,000 in camp scholarships opened the door for children to explore their creativity, build friendships, and discover new passions. Whether stepping on stage for the first time or continuing their theatre journey, campers found a place to grow, take risks, and realize what they’re capable of.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In a Play!” JR.
A story of leadership.
We opened our season with the seventh Youth Artist Project,
celebrating the heart of GREAT’s mission
by putting education and young people center stage. High school students partnered with professional theatre artists and educators to produce a musical for young audiences, gaining real-world experience while developing leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills. Together, they brought the vision of the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre to life as both a stage and a classroom.
“The Youth Artist Project is so special since it is created by kids, with kids, and for kids. It is an incredible learning opportunity for everyone involved and lets children’s creativity shine.”
9 to 5
A Story of Courage.
Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 proved to be much more than a crowd pleasing comedy. Through humor, heart, and unforgettable music, the show celebrated resilience, challenged outdated norms, and highlighted the power of people working together to create positive change. It reminded us that theatre can spark conversation, inspire empathy, and leave audiences laughing long after the curtain falls.
“As always a great performance. I’m always blown away by the local talent. My two teenage girls loved the message of women (or womyn) power.”
Annie
A Story of Hope.
By double-casting the orphan roles, more young performers experienced the confidence, teamwork, and joy of live theatre. Audiences also helped extend the show’s impact beyond the curtain through a partnership with Tri-County Humane Society, donating needed supplies in honor of Annie’s four-legged companion, Sandy, who was played by a real rescue dog. Together, the production reminded us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.
“The spirit of “Annie,” the optimistic view, made the sun come out truly, this afternoon! What a lovely way to start the holiday season.”
School of Rock
A Story of Confidence.
School of Rock celebrated what happens when young people are encouraged to be themselves and discover what they’re capable of. Featuring a cast of youth performers who sang, acted, and played their instruments live on stage, the production showcased the remarkable growth that comes from dedication, creativity, and perseverance. It was a reminder that when young people are trusted, challenged, and supported, they discover not only their talents but also the confidence to carry them far beyond the stage.
“I really saw GREAT’s mission of education on display as youth actors were also youth musicians on stage–and thriving at both.”
Cabaret
A Story of Perspective.
Cabaret transformed the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre into the immersive Kit Kat Club, blurring the line between audience and performer. By surrounding audiences with the story through music, humor, and spectacle, the production invited reflection on identity, power, moral responsibility, and the choices we make.
It demonstrated theatre’s unique ability to spark meaningful conversations, deepen empathy, and broaden our perspective on the role each of us plays in shaping the world around us.
“It will take some time to process this story and performance. The ending was striking and heavy and it was hard to leave feeling such pride in the actors but such grief and anger at the end.”
Disney’s Frozen
A Story of Possibility.
Frozen closed our season by breaking records for both auditions and audiences, demonstrating the incredible power of theatre to bring people together. With 175 people auditioning—including some traveling more than 70 miles—and double casting expanding opportunities from 30 to 42 performers, the production opened doors for more artists to take the stage. As thousands of audience members experienced the magic of live theatre, Frozen celebrated what becomes possible when a community invests in creativity, opportunity, and one another.
“Stunning performance! Every detail was carefully orchestrated and the talent was unbelievable. It’s so cool to see what humans can do when they work together.”
A note from ARTISTIC & education director kendra norton dando
It is my pleasure to welcome you to our 29th season!
As we look forward to next season, we’re thrilled about the stories ahead of us! Some of these shows are new to the the GREAT community and some we’ve explored in previous seasons. However, each story is new in this time and in this place and with this group of people.
To me, that’s one of the most exciting things about theatre!
Whether the story is brand new or one we’ve told before, it is different because of the people involved in bringing it to life and the people receiving it. Not only do we bring new interpretations, original designs, and varied lived experiences to the process of storytelling, but each audience encounters a slightly different show because of the life and energy they bring to the room. The act of theatre is a live exchange of energy as we share the space and engage with the story. And in those shared breaths or gasps or laughter, we create a unique community.
As we imagine the stories still ahead, we’re also imagining a future full of possibilities for the young people in our community. With your support, we can sustain and strengthen the experiences that help them discover their potential and grow into the creators, collaborators, and leaders who will shape what comes next.
So whether a particular story is new to you or one you have loved for decades, we are delighted to welcome you into this season to explore it anew together. Thank you for joining us, because you are an integral part of this season’s story. Let’s discover together!
Warmly,
– Kendra Norton Dando
2026/27 Season
Fundraising Events
27/28 Season Announcement Fundraiser – Monday, March 15 | Harvester Square
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we reveal the 27/28 season while raising vital support to ensure GREAT can continue bringing extraordinary theatrical experiences to our community.
Shrektacular GREAT Gala – Thursday, April 22 | Paramount Center for the Arts
A fundraiser benefiting GREAT’s education and outreach programming for youth.