Imagination Tour: The Mission behind the Scenes
We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience live theatre.
There is something special about watching a child experience live theatre for the first time.
The actors walk onto the stage. A story comes to life right in front of them. For a few minutes, the audience isn't just watching a performance. They're part of the experience.
But for many children, getting into a theatre isn't always as simple as buying a ticket.
Ticket prices can be a barrier. Transportation can be a barrier. Distance can be a barrier. Families and schools have busy schedules, and not every student has the opportunity to travel to a theatre for a performance.
So we asked a different question:
What if the theatre came to them?
Bringing Theatre Directly to Schools
The Imagination Tour was created around that idea.
Rather than asking hundreds of children to find their way to a theatre, we pack up the show and travel directly to elementary schools throughout our region.
We bring the actors. We bring the costumes. We bring the story.
And we bring the magic of live theatre directly into the schools where children already learn and gather every day.
Last year alone, on our first year, the Imagination Tour performed for more than 1,800 students.
Our goal is to continue expanding that reach and give even more children the opportunity to experience live performance.
Because a child's first theatre experience shouldn't depend entirely on whether their family can afford a ticket or has transportation to get there.
More Than a Performance
The Imagination Tour isn't simply about entertaining children for an hour.
It's about introducing young people to storytelling, creativity, imagination and the performing arts. And they get to help us tell our story with interactive shows that bring students on stage, encourage participation, interaction, and laughter.
For some students, this may be their first time seeing theatre live.
For others, it may be the moment they realize that theatre is something they want to explore themselves.
We want children to leave a performance laughing, thinking, asking questions and imagining what might be possible.
Maybe they'll become actors.
Maybe they'll become designers, musicians, writers or directors.
Maybe they'll simply become adults who remember the excitement of watching a story come alive in front of them.
Whatever happens next, we want that first opportunity to be there.
Creating Opportunities for Actors, Too
The Imagination Tour is also designed to create meaningful opportunities for performers.
We are seeking actors who want to gain professional performance experience, build their resumes and develop their skills working with young audiences.
Performing for children is its own unique art form. It requires energy, imagination, adaptability and the ability to connect with an audience that may be experiencing live theatre in an entirely new way. Our actors aren't simply filling a role. They're becoming ambassadors for theatre.
They're helping introduce an entire generation of young people to the performing arts.
And for performers looking to build their professional experience, a paid touring production provides an opportunity to add meaningful work to their resumes while doing something that has a direct impact on their community.
Our Goal for 2027
Last year, we reached more than 1,800 students.
This year, we want to reach even more.
Our goal is to take the Imagination Tour to additional elementary schools throughout the region and continue removing some of the practical barriers that can prevent children from experiencing live theatre while also adding free evening performances in different towns to open this up to families.
We want to meet schools where they are. We want to make theatre accessible. We want to give professional opportunities to talented performers.
And, most importantly, we want to bring joy to hundreds — and eventually thousands — of children.
Auditions for the 2027 Imagination Tour
We're currently seeking actors for our upcoming February–March 2027 Imagination Tour.
These are paid acting opportunities for performers who are excited about working with elementary-aged audiences and helping us bring live theatre directly to schools.
Auditions
Saturday, October 10 at 2 PM
Those auditioning should:
Prepare a 60–90 second cut of a song
Bring an accompaniment track only — no vocals
Be prepared for a cold read
Be able to successfully complete a background check
Be available for the February–March 2027 tour
We're looking for performers who can bring energy, imagination and genuine joy to young audiences.
Help Us Bring Theatre to Them
We believe that access to the arts shouldn't be determined by a child's zip code, a family's transportation situation or whether they can afford the cost of a ticket.
Sometimes, making theatre more accessible means changing the way we deliver it.
Instead of waiting for the audience to come to us…
we're going to them.
And we can't wait to see where the Imagination Tour takes us next.
Interested in auditioning?
Sign up for auditions here: https://tally.so/r/vGoAMl
Know an actor who should audition? Share this opportunity with them.
Together, we can bring a little more theatre, imagination and joy into the lives of the children in our community.
If you would be interested in bringing a performance to your town or sponsoring one - please email macoadirector@gmail.com for details.
