College of Business Supports Showing of Cendrillon for Middle School Students

“I think every child should be afforded the opportunity to experience and participate in the arts,” Holmes said. “The arts allow us all to understand the world and ourselves better, and the sooner children can witness the various forms of art expression, the sooner they can figure out what they appreciate - on and off the stage!” 

Part of her role at ISU is to facilitate student matinees for the family shows that the Theatre and Music departments produce – an additional production that allows area schools to bring their learners at a discounted ticket price. 

When Holmes was planning the student matinee for the family Cinderella opera, “Cendrillon” she thought the middle school age group would be a great fit, however, when she reached out to School District 25, they informed her that unfortunately, it wasn’t in the budget. Holmes was then determined to find funding to bring the Pocatello students to the theater. 

Holmes reached out to ISU Theatre supporter and Dean of the College of Business, Shane Hunt, to see if this was a cause the COB would be interested in supporting. Without hesitation, Hunt agreed, saying, “The ISU College of Business is thrilled to provide this amazing opportunity for middle school music students in our community.  The arts change lives and all of us in the ISU College of Business are committed to supporting the educational opportunities for students and developing the future business leaders for arts-related programs across our state.” 

Monday, February 13, ISU School of Performing Arts welcomed over 500 middle music school students into the theatre at Frazier Hall to experience the magical production of “Cendrillon.” Michael Helman, SD25 Music Coordinator was grateful for the experience. 

 “The opportunity to bring an artistically underserved population of local middle school students to the ISU School of Performing Arts production of "Cinderella" was fantastic!” he said. “Not only did many of the students have their first experience of live opera but it was with full costumes, set design, and live orchestra.  It was awesome that they adapted the script into English and that they chose a familiar story. Thank you to the College of Business for underwriting this unique educational opportunity for our local community."