To create professional theatre and educational experiences for artists and audiences of all ages and identities with the power to enrich and expand our understanding of our shared humanity.

To inspire a more creative, empathetic, and just society.

Wheelock Family Theatre was founded in 1981 by Andrea Genser, Anthony Hancock, Susan Kosoff, and Jane Staab with the support of Wheelock College President Gordon Marshall. Inspired by Wheelock College’s longstanding commitment to children, education, and social responsibility, the theatre was envisioned as more than a performance venue—it would become a place where professional artistry and educational purpose could thrive together.

From its earliest seasons, Wheelock Family Theatre challenged the notion that theatre created for young audiences should be anything less than exceptional. Families were invited to experience professional productions together, recognizing that the most meaningful stories transcend age and create opportunities for shared conversation across generations.

Key Milestones

• Founded on the campus of Wheelock College
• Established as a professional theatre for children and families
• Mission rooted in education, accessibility, and artistic excellence

Over the next four decades, Wheelock Family Theatre became a cherished destination for children, families, schools, and artists throughout Greater Boston. Productions such as The Wizard of Oz, Charlotte’s Web, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Matilda, In the Heights, and hundreds more introduced generations of young people to the magic of live theatre.

At the same time, the theatre expanded beyond the stage. Student matinees, theatre classes, summer programs, school residencies, and community partnerships transformed Wheelock into a year-round center for arts learning. Today, thousands of students experience theatre with us each year—many attending their very first live performance.

For many young people, a visit to Wheelock Family Theatre becomes the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the arts.

Key Milestones

• Expanded theatre education programming
• Established one of New England’s largest student matinee programs
• Introduced thousands of young people to live theatre each season
• Built lasting partnerships with schools and community organizations

Long before many theatres embraced inclusive practices, Wheelock Family Theatre championed accessible performances, inclusive casting, and programming designed to ensure that every audience member could experience the transformative power of live theatre.

Among these efforts was PAH! Deaf Youth Theatre, an innovative program that empowered Deaf and hard of hearing young artists to develop their creative voices through performance and collaboration. Together with accessible performances, ASL interpretation, open captioning, audio description, relaxed performances, and sensory-friendly resources, PAH! helped establish Wheelock as a national leader in accessible theatre.

These efforts have been recognized by organizations including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Actors’ Equity Association, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and numerous disability advocacy organizations.

Key Milestones

• Launch of PAH! Deaf Youth Theatre
• National recognition for accessibility and inclusion
• Inclusive casting and accessible performances become hallmarks of the organization
• Continued expansion of accessibility services for audiences and students

Chapter Four | A New Chapter at Boston University

In 2018, Wheelock College merged with Boston University, and Wheelock Family Theatre became a program of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts.

While the institution entered a new chapter, its mission remained unchanged. The partnership strengthened opportunities for artistic collaboration, expanded educational connections, and ensured that Wheelock’s legacy of theatre for children and families would continue to flourish for future generations.

Today, professional artists work alongside Boston University students, faculty, alumni, and community partners to create theatre that reflects the diversity, curiosity, and creativity of our region.

Key Milestones

• Became a program of Boston University College of Fine Arts
• Expanded collaborations with students and faculty
• Continued commitment to affordable, accessible professional theatre

Chapter Five | Looking Ahead

As Wheelock Family Theatre enters its 46th Season, we continue to build upon the vision that inspired our founders more than four decades ago.

Our productions, education programs, and community partnerships are grounded in a simple belief: every child deserves opportunities to imagine, create, and connect through the arts. Whether welcoming a family’s first visit to the theatre, partnering with schools to extend classroom learning, or creating accessible experiences for audiences of all abilities, we remain committed to ensuring that theatre belongs to everyone.

Today, our work reaches nearly 30,000 children, families, and educators each year through professional productions, student matinees, theatre education programs, and community initiatives. As we look to the future, we will continue creating stories that inspire courage, celebrate belonging, and strengthen the communities we serve—one audience, one student, and one family at a time.