After World War I, Boston sponsored a “Community Recreation Services” program for veterans and their families. One such, the Tributary Theatre, in 1917 began producing plays featuring children, and by 1920 BCT was chartered (one other Recreation Service charity survives today: Community Boating, Catalogue ’99). Since 1951, BCT has presented all-child productions, to over one million children, through classes, workshops, summer programs and live performances. Today it presents about 120 performances annually, in many places and variations; its annual audience is 15,000-20,000. Children’s active participation in theatre stimulates and nourishes not just a lifelong love of theatre, but enhanced self-development (the photograph opposite is of BCT alumna Julie Taymor, MacArthur “genius” award-winner in theatre arts). As BCT says, “While arts-deprivation may not be a life-threatening disease, arts-enrichment is well-known to change lives dramatically.” Year-round innovative and collaborative programs with other organizations are also part of BCT’s success: a chorus project and theatre camps in underserved neighborhoods; a youth playwriting contest; a summer parks theatre program; and many others. BCT is committed to low ticket prices and tuition so that all families may participate, so philanthropy is needed — please help.