Healing The World One Woman at a Time mothers-grace.org

A 2ND ACT FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 57 Photo by Tim Trimble Childsplay helps young audiences understand the world and their place in it BY JULIE COLEMAN Theater for Tomorrow T he phrase “past performance is no guarantee of future results” is often used in the financial industry. If applied to the arts sector, you would see how a Tempe-based nonprofit has consistently debunked this notion since its inception 47 years ago. Childsplay’s purpose of storytelling to young audiences has, and continues, to remain relevant in tackling the most difficult subjects. “We respect our audience and their intelligence,” said Dwayne Hartford, Childsplay’s artistic director. “I feel it’s my responsibility to always leave the audience with a sense of agency and the possibility they can take action. We tell them stories that mean something to them and give them hope.” Believing in theater’s power to influence young people’s Childsplay's recent national tours include "Tomás and the Library Lady" in the 2007-2008 and 2013-2014 seasons.