Our mission at PAAC is to integrate the arts into the lives of children and families in the Portsmouth, Ohio region. Through our free Children's Theatre program and community outreach efforts, the Portsmouth Area Arts Council continues to color your world with the arts, as we have been for the last 50 years!
PAAC’s programming serves Scioto County as well as audiences in 10 different counties in both Ohio and Kentucky and brings thousands to the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts in Portsmouth, Ohio, each year.
Our most extensive program offering, the Portsmouth Area Children’s Theatre, acts as a home away from home for hu of local kids. Our ensemble of student actors blurs the lines between school rivalries and socio-economic boundaries, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere while offering high-quality and educational programming.
We pride ourselves on accepting any child into Children’s Theatre productions, regardless of the ability to pay. Auditions are open to any student between the ages of 6-18, and we welcome any and all experience levels.
Our Children’s Theatre student matinees ensure that teachers have access to quality, curriculum-connected field trips all year long.
Your donation to our Annual Fund helps us continue coloring kids’ lives with the arts.
Our Annual Fund Supports:
- Participation in three full-length musicals per season for students in grades K-12
- Live theatre experiences for local schools and community groups in the Portsmouth, OH region
- Our scholarship fund for graduating Senior Company members of our Children’s Theatre
Why the Arts Matter
Participating in the arts provides young people with a chance to explore their creativity and imagination in a structured and safe environment.
Improved Literacy Skills
From reading scripts to memorizing lines to learning to tell a story, young people continually improve their literacy skills while rehearsing and performing in a musical.
Public Speaking & Confidence
It takes a lot of guts to stand up and sing or dance in front of your family, peers, and what may seem like the entire community. Experience with public speaking at a young age gives students confidence that will be important to them for the rest of their lives.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Skills
Putting on a musical is a group effort, and every member of the team must work together to make it happen. Throughout the rehearsal process, the students will learn to solve challenges as they arise. Students will learn to trust and depend on themselves and their castmates.
Your Direct Impact
These are not required giving amounts; they are just some ways your donation will be put to use at our organization. We deeply appreciate any and all gifts, and every penny we receive goes straight into benefitting our students.
$25: Stage makeup kit for a student actor
$75: A leotard, tights, and shoes for a student actor
$150: Season ticket package for a family of four
$300: Students’ scripts for a Children’s Theatre production
$500: One scholarship for an eligible Senior Company member
$750: Specialty props and sets for a Children’s Theatre production
$1,000: Three professionally-led theatre workshops for local schools
$3,000: Royalty fees for a Children’s Theatre production
$5,000: Show week rental at SSU’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
$10,000: Costumes, Set, and Props for an entire Children’s Theatre season
How Can I Help?
Pledge today! Your contribution to PAAC’s Annual Fund has a huge and immediate effect on our community.
Use the Donate Now button to give through our Network for Good charity page
Mail a check to PO Box 1258, Portsmouth, OH 45662
For special arrangements, please email info@paac4kids.org, and we will be happy to accommodate your needs!
Your pledge gives you membership to one of the most enriching programs for youth in our area. We have six tiers with varying perks to make your giving experience easy and convenient!
All members who pledge to the Annual Fund will receive recognition in our season programs and social media.
PAAC Patron: $50 - $299
Priority Ticket Access
Receive recognition in this season’s playbills and our social media
Spotlight Club: $300 - $499
Priority Ticket Access
Receive recognition in this season’s playbills and our social media
2 Friends and Family Tickets for each 2023-2024 PACT Production
Director’s Club: $500 - $999
Priority Ticket Access
Receive recognition in this season’s playbills and our social media
3 Friends and Family Tickets for each 2023-2024 PACT Production
Business Ad on our website (logo & link)
Business Logo on Corporate Donor Board in lobby during productions
Business Logo on the back of season playbills
Founder’s Club: $1,000 - $1,999
Priority Ticket Access
Receive recognition in this season’s playbills and our social media
4 Friends and Family Tickets for each 2023-2024 PACT Production
Business Ad on our website (logo & link)
Business Logo on Corporate Donor Board in lobby during productions
Business Logo on the back of season playbills
Curtain Speech Recognition for the 2023-2024 Season
Business Name on the back of 2023-2024 Production T-Shirts
PAAC Partner: $2,000 - $2,999
Priority Ticket Access
Receive recognition in next season’s playbills and our social media
6 Friends and Family Tickets for each 2023-2024 PACT Production
Business Ad on our website (logo & link)
Business Logo on Corporate Donor Board in lobby during productions
Business Logo on the back of season playbills
Curtain Speech Recognition for the 2023-2024 Season
Business Name on the back of 2023-2024 Production T-Shirts
Backstage Tour before each production
Diamond Club: $3,000+
Priority Ticket Access
Receive recognition in next season’s playbills and our social media
8 Friends and Family Tickets for each 2023-2024 PACT Production
Business Ad on our website (logo & link)
Business Logo on Corporate Donor Board in lobby during productions
Business Logo on the back of season playbills
Curtain Speech Recognition for the 2023-2024 Season
Business Name on the back of 2023-2024 Production T-Shirts
Backstage Tour before each produciton
Producer Line in all Show Materials
