Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc.

Performing Arts Fort Worth

Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc. (PAFW) is the 501(c)3 non-profit organization that oversees the day-to-day operations and management as well as long-term capital needs of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall complex. Its mission is to serve as a permanent home to major performing arts organizations of Fort Worth and as a premier venue for other attractions so as to enhance the range, quality, and accessibility of cultural fare available to the public; to promulgate arts education; and to contribute to the cultural life of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the region. Since its founding in 1992, PAFW has paved the way for more than 8 million patrons and visitors, including almost 2 million children and educators, to enjoy acclaimed programming in a world-class venue.

Children’s Education Program

The mission of PAFW’s Children’s Education Program (CEP) is to promote arts education, with Bass Hall at the heart of the program serving as a “living classroom” for students in grades 1-12 and teachers from Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the North Texas Region. In support of this mission, the CEP provides a diverse suite of exceptional, accessible, in-person and virtual performing arts education opportunities at no cost to 70,000 students and teachers annually.

The CEP’s vision is to reach "every student, every grade, every year" with scaffolded, curriculum-related programs, including grade-appropriate Student Matinees; Student Ticketing, Intensives and Talkbacks tied to PAFW’s Broadway at the Bass and Popular Entertainment Series; Summer Music Camps for high school choir and percussion students; a Literacy Program for children in grades 1 & 2; and a growing catalog of Virtual Programs available throughout the school year. Many participants are from Fort Worth ISD (FWISD), which mandates attendance at CEP Student Matinees for all district students in grades 1-5 as part of their arts education curriculum, while students from public, private, and parochial schools in surrounding counties are served as space permits.

Since its inception in 1998, the CEP has provided over 1.9 million children and educators with quality, admission-free arts education experiences – and is expected to exceed 2 million participants served during the 2026-27 season. Achieving this significant milestone is only possible because of funds raised from events like North Texas Giving Day, as well as from generous foundations, corporations, and individuals just like you, who share our passion and commitment to arts education.

NOTE: All gifts from North Texas Giving Day will directly support the CEP.

Each season, the CEP receives thank-you notes and testimonials from participants who are grateful for and impacted by the myriad of programs it provides. The following were received in response to programming experienced in the 2025-26 CEP Season:

• “Honestly, it had me on my toes the entire time! I had no idea what was going to happen next, and I just kept looking over at the kid next to me to see if he was seeing everything too and if he had the same reaction as me. It was kind of life changing.” – Magnolia, High School Student, I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, in response to a Broadway-related Student Intensive

• “We appreciate the opportunities that Bass Hall provides our students. If it wasn't for your partnership with FWISD, our students would not have the means or opportunity to attend such great performances in such a beautiful place.” – Hilda Herrera, Principal, Glen Park Elementary

• “We had such a wonderful experience visiting Bass Hall today! As a Title One classical charter school, this was some of our students' first time visiting a theater for such a beautiful production. I know it will create lasting memories for them for years to come.” – Therese Roberts, Headmaster, Great Hearts Arlington Lower School