a conversation with Act One's Executive Director Geri Wright

by Gil Benbrook

Phoenix based organization Act One provides access to the arts for school children and families throughout the state. They are a tremendous arts resource for the community and a great way for students and families to get exposed to culture via their theatre, arts and museum field trips and their Culture Pass program. Geri Wright became the Executive Director of their program this past May and she sat down to answer some questions about the organization, her role and what Act One has planned for this season, just for PHX Stages.

For those who aren't aware of Act One, can you briefly describe what your organization does?

Act One provides meaningful arts experiences that enhance the academic and creative potential of children and families in Arizona. We do this through our signature Field Trip program, which provides students in Title I schools - where arts programming and field trips are rarely part of school budgets – opportunities to visit arts organizations via school field trips. And for families through the Act One Culture Pass program.

What does your role as the Executive Director entail and how long have you been with the organization?

I joined Act One in May 2015 and my role as Executive Director is to provide the strategic direction, work with board members, donors, volunteers and the community to raise the profile and financially support Act One.

How did you get involved in Act One?

Having been in the arts community in Arizona for some time, I have been a fan and advocate of Act One since early on. The Field Trip program fills a real void in the arts/education of our children in Title I Schools. Which unfortunately, is the majority of schools in Arizona. When the opportunity arose for me to be a part of its future, I jumped on it. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of such a young, vibrant and meaningful nonprofit organization.

How has the organization grown and or changed since your involvement?

Since coming on board, we have made great strides in building the infrastructure so we can expand and grow the programs. By adding four new members to the Board of Directors, forming working Committees of the Board, building a volunteer core and strategic additions to staff we are positioning ourselves for future strategic growth of Act One so we can expand and enhance our service to the community.

I know this is a busy time of year for Act One since it's the beginning of the school year and the Fall field trip season. How many schools participate in these field trips and what types of trips do you have planned for this year?

This is our busiest field trip year to date, we anticipate 28,000 students from Title I schools attending 35 field trips to performing and visual arts organizations in Phoenix and Tucson. This is our fifth season, and once complete Act One will have provided meaningful arts experiences for more than 105,000 students. An impressive number! Our Arts Partners are just as passionate as we are when it comes to arts and education and so their dedication to the partnership grows stronger every year. We are proud to partner with 50 arts partners throughout Arizona.

Beyond these school trips, which are a huge asset for children in underserved schools, Act One also features the Culture Pass program for families. Can you give us some details about the program and any arts groups or cultural destinations that are new to the program?

Act One assumed the Culture Pass program in 2013 as it was a natural fit with our mission “to provide meaningful arts experiences for students and families.” The Culture Pass program is a partnership between Act One, arts and cultural organizations and the libraries in Maricopa and Yavapai Counties. Anyone who has a Library card in these counties can go to the library and check out a pass for two to one of the partner organizations, some of which include the Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Halle Heart Children’s Museum among others. The program is a tremendous resource for the community and launches in Pinal County, Tucson on October 1, 2015

How can someone get involved or contribute to the Act One?

The best way to find out more and get involved with Act One is to go to our website www.act1az.org or call 602.343.6239.