at-risk students Archives

Support Theater Teachers with Amazon Wishlists

Every year, dedicated theater teachers pour their own time and energy into their classrooms and production. The truth is, many of these teachers use their own money to build creative, engaging programs for their students. From props and costumes to lighting gels and scripts, the needs of a drama classroom can quickly add up. That’s why this year, I am encouraging everyone to Support Theater Teachers with Amazon Wishlists—a simple yet impactful way to give back to educators who bring the magic of the stage to life.

If you’ve ever clapped for a school play or watched a student light up on stage, you already know how powerful theater can be. But here’s what most people don’t see—teachers digging into their own wallets to buy costumes, props, scripts, makeup, and even batteries for mics. Yes, I have too!

Support Theater Teachers with Amazon Wishlists: A Little Help Goes a Long Way

When I put out a call to theater teachers with wishlists (wanting about twelve) I could include in this post, I was inundated with them! That sent a signal to me right there. Without a doubt, there are so many moving parts in a production and in a theater class, we have many needs. If that’s not enough–most of the time these teachers are the only theater teacher in their schools. It’s lonely, believe me. In fact, most theater teachers make all their production decisions by themselves from selecting the year’s season to traveling to a state theater contest.

In one public school in which I taught, we were in desperate need of microphones and stage lights. Without them, the students couldn’t be heard past the first row of seats. Furthermore, you can forget creating mood when all your school cafetorium has are dimmer switches–ugh. Luckily, several parents stepped up to fund these needs.

The Hidden Struggles Behind the Curtain

Once we had the technical equipment which we needed, the quality of our productions grew. More students became involved in productions. Our audiences grew as well. Can I credit all of this growth to the donations? Nope, but I do know the growth and success made us feel like we counted and were seen.

Most theater programs are underfunded. Check out: Critical Steps in Producing a Play or Musical: Set Design just to see the needs of one production. Or, read: Critical Steps in Selecting a Play or Musical: Budget & Royalties But you can change that—today—with just a few clicks to Amazon wish lists.

The Underfunding of Arts in Public Schools

In 2018, the American Academy of Arts & Sciences convened a Commission on the Arts to examine the state of arts education in the United States, and to assess the need for greater support. The Commission ultimately focused on the challenges of access to arts education in public schools.

Their report, Art for Life’s Sake states, “Arts education is seeing a persistent decline in access. While 88% of Americans agree that arts education is an essential component of a well-rounded education, there has been a persistent decline in support for arts education, particularly in communities that cannot finance it on their own.”

It continues, “Americans understand the value of an education that includes the arts,” says Rutter, “but we as a nation have not established sustainable educational policies that make it possible for all students to receive the education they need.

John Lithgow, a past board member of the Kennedy Center for the Arts said,” We want every child to have access to music, paintings, writing, theater—all the arts—regardless of their socio-economic circumstances,” says Lithgow. All American children should learn how to express themselves and to understand the ways in which others express themselves.”

In my opinion, I think the public doesn’t fully realize how arts education nurtures at-risk youth. A study was conducted several years ago focusing on the impact of arts education in our schools. This NEA report, The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies.

Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Arts Education

Their key finding? “Better academic outcomes — Teenagers and young adults of low socioeconomic (SES) status who have a history of in-depth arts involvement (‘high arts’) show better academic outcomes than low-SES youth with less arts involvement (‘low arts’). Students earn better grades and have higher rates of college enrollment and attainment.

Low-SES students who had arts-rich experiences in high school were ten percent more likely to complete a high school calculus course than low-SES students with low arts exposure (33 percent versus 23 percent).
High-arts, low-SES students in the eighth grade were more likely to have planned to earn a bachelor’s degree (74 percent) than were all students (71 percent) or low-arts, low-SES students (43 percent).
In contrast, high-arts, low-SES students were 15 percent more likely to enroll in a highly or moderately selective four-year college than low-arts, low-SES students (41 percent versus 26 percent).
Lastly, students with access to the arts in high school were three times more likely than students who lacked those experiences to earn a bachelor’s degree (17 percent versus five percent).”

If that isn’t enough reason to support our arts teachers’ programs, I don’t know what is. For more details from this report, go to: NEA Research Report Shows Potential Benefits of Arts Education for At-Risk Youth

How to Help

I’ve gathered a list of Amazon wishlists created by hardworking, creative, often under-resourced middle school theater teachers. Plus, each one is filled with items they need right now—things that help students rehearse, perform, and grow through the arts.

You don’t have to fund a whole stage. Just pick something—anything—from their list. Whether it’s \$5 or \$50, your gift makes a real difference.

Middle School Teacher Amazon Wishlists

Here are theater teachers who could use your support this year. I’ve listed them by state:

(Texas)– Shanon Grecco View His Amazon Wishlist

(Texas)– Brandy Chapman View Her Amazon Wishlist

(Texas) Heather Roberts View Her Amazon Wishlist

(California) Katie McLaughlin Newbanks View Her Amazon Wishlist

(Kansas)–Allison Pieschl-Wegerle View Her Amazon Wishlist

(Texas) Britney Ring Meyers View Her Amazon Wishlist

(Ohio)–Shayla Holloway View Her Amazon Wishlist

(Iowa)–Curtis Cormell View His Amazon Wishlist

(Iowa)–Alex McCarthy View His Amazon Wishlist

(Washington D.C.)Briana Reynolds View Her Amazon Wishlist

Six Reasons Why Your Donation Will Matter Greatly

They’re direct. You can see in real time just how your donation helped!
You know exactly where your money is going. Consequently, there is no feeling of “I wonder if my donation really helped?”
As I’ve pointed out, they’re needed. Many citizens don’t realize the breadth and array of materials we need.
These aren’t extras—these are the tools students need to succeed.
Every single donation is a gift that lifts a burden and lights up a classroom or stage.
These donations are always appreciated. Furthermore, teachers are thoughtful by nature and truly value the trust you place in them when you choose to help.

Not Ready to Donate? You Can Still Help

Sharing this post helps just as much! Pass it along to anyone who loves the arts, supports education, or believes every child deserves a creative outlet.

Remember: When you complete teachers’ Amazon wish lists, you’re not just donating supplies. You’re building confidence, community, and creativity that will last long after the curtain falls.

From all of us who believe in the power of theater—thank you.