Supporter Spotlight: PNC Financial Services Group

The IRT is proud to be supported by PNC as a part of their Grow Up Great® program. PNC Grow Up Great® helps children from birth through age five develop a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime – and can help set them on a path to success. For the past three seasons, PNC has supported our newest program, Exploring Stages, which we created for our youngest patrons (ages 3-8). With the support of PNC, we have been able to bring nearly 9,000 pre-school and early elementary students to the theatre for an Exploring Stages production, which is often their first live theatre experience.

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Piper Murphy interacting with the audience after IRT’s 2015 production of Peter Rabbit and Me. Photo by Amber Mills.

Enhanced programming presented with each Exploring Stages performance prepares little ones for what will happen during their time at the theatre. It provides interactive opportunities that focus on language development and gives young patrons the chance to connect feelings and ideas to the actions on stage. This holistic experience helps spark an early love for the arts and creates a foundation for developing empathy and critical thinking skills. In the first two years of this partnership, nearly 2,000 students have also received Artist-in-the- Classroom visits, taught by our IRT Teaching Artists. These classroom experiences further enriched students’ theatre experiences, emphasizing skills like reading aloud and creative dramatics.
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According to PNC, “For every dollar spent on high-quality early education, society gains as much as $16 in long-term savings. Research has shown that children who participate in high-quality preschool programs are far more likely to experience greater educational achievements, strive toward higher vocational aspirations and contribute to society in adulthood.” The IRT is incredibly proud to have a preschool program supported by PNC, which helps Central Indiana’s youngest residents grow and prosper.