Broadway Utica Launches Rise for a Purpose Campaign in hopes to Bring 1,000 Students to See Dear Evan Hansen
Broadway Utica has launched the Rise for a Purpose campaign to provide 1,000 local high school students the opportunity to attend a performance of the award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen on April 8-9, 2025. The campaign aims to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of student tickets, allowing the next generation to experience the transformative power of live theater.
Dear Evan Hansen, winner of multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Orchestrations, is widely recognized for its emotional depth, powerful storytelling, and innovative stage production. The musical tells the story of Evan Hansen, a teenager struggling with anxiety and isolation, whose life is altered after a tragic event. The show’s moving exploration of mental health, connection, and the search for belonging has resonated with audiences around the world.
For students in the Mohawk Valley, seeing Dear Evan Hansen isn’t just about watching a musical—it’s about being exposed to an award-winning production that combines exceptional storytelling with state-of-the-art stagecraft. The production’s breathtaking set design, impactful lighting, and stunning orchestrations bring the emotional journey of the characters to life, making it an unforgettable experience. Broadway Utica is committed to offering local students the chance to experience this high-caliber theater and the chance to witness firsthand the kind of world-class performance that can inspire their creative futures.
“Bringing Dear Evan Hansen to local students is a way to offer them exposure to one of Broadway’s most celebrated productions, which has touched the hearts of so many,” said Danielle Padula, Executive Director of Broadway Utica. “This musical not only provides a compelling story, but it also showcases the very best in stage design, music, and acting. We want our students to experience what’s possible in the world of theater and inspire them to reach for their dreams, whether that’s in the arts or beyond.”
The Rise for a Purpose campaign’s goal is to raise $10,000 to cover the costs of sending students to see Dear Evan Hansen. This initiative is part of a larger effort to ensure that local youth have access to high-quality arts education, fostering creativity and critical thinking while encouraging important conversations around mental health, identity, and resilience. Through this campaign, Broadway Utica hopes to build lasting connections between young people and the arts, showing them that their voices matter and their stories are important.
“The opportunity to attend such a groundbreaking show, which has garnered critical acclaim and swept multiple prestigious awards, will leave a lasting impact on these students,” said Padula. “It’s not just about attending a performance; it’s about helping them discover the transformative power of the arts and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.”
The funds raised through Rise for a Purpose will support this year’s initiative and establish a permanent fund through the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. This fund will ensure that future generations of students have continued access to live theater, arts education, and community-based projects, making the arts an integral part of youth development in the Mohawk Valley.
Donations to the campaign are tax-deductible and can be made by sending a check to the Community Foundation at 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502, with “Broadway Utica / Dear Evan Hansen” in the memo line. For other giving options or to arrange cash contributions, donors can contact the Community Foundation at 315-735-8212.
As Dear Evan Hansen takes the stage in April 2025 at The Stanley Theatre, the 1,000 students attending will witness a Broadway-quality performance that could inspire their creativity and leave them feeling empowered. Broadway Utica invites the community to join them in supporting this campaign and ensuring the next generation experiences the life-changing power of live theatre.
