”We believe in theater as a powerful communication tool,” said one Taproot cast member. With colorful characters, visual aids, and a lighthearted yet informative approach, Taproot’s performances keep kids engaged.

”How we talk about it, how we write our plays, how we interact with the students—all of it is informed by our work with Committee for Children,” said Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey, director of education and outreach at Taproot. After each performance, cast members take questions from the children to talk about issues that were raised during the show.

”They love when Taproot Theatre comes every year,” said Julie Faulkner, counselor at Tiffany Park Elementary School in Renton, Washington. ”We might be talking with the kids about bullying, but then to have it played out for them really gets the message across.”