Memorable Moments at DCT: Amari’s Mom, Constance, shares her perspective…Part 2

We want to thank all of you who are taking the opportunity during these challenging times to share your DCT stories with us. Amari and her parents are great examples of the impact DCT has had on so many families. Read on as we quiz Constance on her DCT memories…

How did you originally come to know about DCT?

When I met my husband Mar in high school, he often spoke about going to Dallas Children’s Theater when he was young. He shared with me that his Uncle Rocky would take him and his siblings to see plays there. So when we had children of our own, we decided that we would continue to take our children to DCT so they could have the same memorable experiences he had.

What is your most meaningful memory of your daughter at DCT?

The most meaningful memory for our daughter, Amari, is when she went on stage after the play Seussical. This was a BIG deal because Amari was a very introverted and quiet child, and she never liked crowds. However, the day she saw Seussical, I remember her coming alive with the cast and all of the action. Her dad and I were sitting in the seats – while she was on stage – tearing up. For the first time, she was interacting with others, out of her comfort zone, and having so much fun!

What is valuable about taking your kid to a DCT production rather than watching a movie or TV?

I valued taking my children to DCT productions because it was an entire experience for them. The plays are literary based, and we would always read the book before coming to the show or after we left. My daughter enjoyed making comparisons between the books and the plays. When we go to the movies or watch TV at home, it’s less interactive, and my children would get bored halfway through it. DCT productions allow children to be a part of the plays and feel involved.

What do you think is special about the DCT experience, and why do you continue to come back to productions?

We continue to purchase season tickets and bring our children back to DCT, because it teaches them the importance of the arts. There are so many lessons and skills they can learn by watching a play. I also believe it sparks a creative fire in my children to want to create. A DCT experience also helps children, like my daughter, who are shy become more comfortable around others through the classes and camps they offer.

Would you like to add anything else?

I’d like families to know that there is only one DCT! There aren’t many places in our community where families can take their children to learn about live theater. By supporting DCT, you are supporting a child’s dream of becoming an actor (actress), singer, director, writer, vocalist or just a well-developed human being! DCT has played a wonderful role in building powerful memories for my family, and I hope it will continue to do that for generations to come.

Did you miss Amari’s original post? Catch up here.

Photos by Karen Almond, Lawrence Jenkins, and courtesy of Amari Howard

My DCT Experience, Part 1

By Amari Howard

When I was younger, I was always very quiet, shy and introverted. My Uncle Rocky (who is a board member at DCT) took my dad Mar (who is now also a board member), my Aunt Ronnie and Uncle Corey to Dallas Children’s Theater when they were kids. So, when my sister and I were little, my dad started taking us to DCT. The first play I can recall seeing was GOODNIGHT MOON when I was 6 or 7. For as long as I can remember, we have always held season tickets. My mom and dad continued to take us to plays; we would always go on opening night.

Opening night was my favorite, because DCT always has something special that night, like Tiff’s Treats, craft tables, or cupcakes from Sprinkles (my favorite.)

I enjoy watching live plays better than watching television and movies, because it’s so real. I really enjoy seeing the different costumes and live action. My favorite play, by far is SEUSSICAL™! This was the first time I interacted with the cast after the show. I also got to go onstage that night to see the actual set, as well as the costumes from SEUSSICAL™ and other plays.

DCT has played a big part in my adolescence. When we went to plays, my mom and dad made sure we were always dressed nicely, sat properly and understood what we watched. If there was a book related to the play, they would buy it before or after the play.

Sometimes we would have three tickets and my mom and dad would rotate turns taking my sister and I. That was the time we had a girls day out or daddy-daughter time. DCT brought my family together; it was always a great outing to go see a play and afterwards go to dinner to discuss our favorite parts. Each time we went to a play, we were treated so kindly by all of the staff. They knew our family and called my sister and I by our name. I could tell they really cared about us. It felt like going to a relative’s house each time we went.

What I find meaningful about DCT is how they put children first in everything they do. Each play tells a variety of stories that all children can relate to. DCT offers many classes and camps to help children like me find a fun and creative way to become more comfortable interacting with others and with public speaking. Once, I remember trying to put on my very own play for my mom and dad at home. I have fallen in love with live theater and musicals! I think I have come out of my shell and I am a bit more extroverted; I owe that to the DCT!

I think it is very important for parents to invest in DCT productions, because live plays teach kids more than the screen does. It teaches children about storytelling, production, lighting, timing and so much more! I hope that the DCT will be around for a very long time. Due to COVID-19, the play LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET was canceled. My family was dedicating this play to my great-grandmother Eleanor.

Only a place like the DCT can give families in the community an opportunity like that. I encourage families to invest in DCT, so we can all enjoy more live plays that touch on new and old stories that children like me love. I truly believe it is an experience that will change a young person’s life like it has changed mine. I hope one day my children, too, will enjoy DCT plays like my dad and I have!

Next week: Amari’s mom, Constance, shares her memorable moments.

Photos by Karen Almond, Lawrence Jenkins, and courtesy of Amari Howard