An Annual Benefit Supporting Wheelock Family Theatre
A celebration of storytelling, community, and the transformative power of theatre.
Each year, artists, educators, families, alumni, and community leaders gather to celebrate Wheelock Family Theatre’s impact and invest in its future. Proceeds support our productions, education programs, accessibility initiatives, and efforts to ensure every child and family can experience the power of live theatre.
A Night to Remember
Celebrating 45 Years of
Storytelling, Imagination, and Impact
On December 4, 2025, Wheelock Family Theatre welcomed supporters from across Greater Boston for a special anniversary edition of Magic in the Wings. The evening featured live performances, inspiring stories, community recognition, and the presentation of the WHEEL Awards honoring individuals whose work reflects our belief that the arts can transform lives.
Why Magic in the Wings Matters
Investing in Theatre for Every Family
For more than 45 years, Wheelock Family Theatre has created accessible, affordable, and professional theatre experiences for children and families across Greater Boston. Magic in the Wings helps ensure that this work continues for generations to come.
Support from this event directly advances:
- Professional Productions
- Education Programs
- Accessibility Initiatives
- Student Matinees & Community Engagement
Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and gift made helps create opportunities for young people to experience the transformative power of live theatre.
Save the Date for the Next Magic in the Wings
Planning is already underway for our next annual benefit.
Join our interest list to:
- Receive event announcements first
- Learn about sponsorship opportunities
- Receive early ticket access
- Stay connected to Wheelock Family Theatre’s impact
WHEEL AWARDS
Honoring Those Who Enrich Every Life
First given out in 2002 to Fred M. Rogers (better known to the world as Mister Rogers), the WHEEL Award (Wheelock Heroes Enrich Every Life) recognizes individuals whose work advances opportunities for children, families, education, and the arts.
In 2025 Wheelock Family Theatre recognized:
Carly Johanson & Zack Hardy are recognized for more than 25 years of fostering creativity, confidence, and belonging through their leadership of the Cabot After School Program. Their dedication to enriching the lives of young people through the arts has inspired generations of students to take risks, work together, and discover the joy of performance.
Lesley Ryan Miller is recognized for her unwavering commitment to ensuring young people have access to high-quality arts and educational experiences. Throughout her distinguished career in education, she has championed arts learning as an essential part of every child’s development, creating lasting impact for thousands of students across Massachusetts.
Jack Eldon is recognized for his extraordinary leadership in bringing world-class theatre to audiences across North America and for helping shape the future of family entertainment through his work with Disney Theatrical Group. Through nearly three decades of innovation, partnership-building, and audience development, he has expanded access to live theatre for millions of children and families.
BECAUSE OF YOU
