Our Mission

Act One Foundation supports educational field trips to the visual and performing arts for Arizona's underserved schools. Our belief is arts learning encourages students participation with the arts and culture in their community and fosters civic engagement.

What We Do


  • SERVE more than 6,000 students at underserved ARIZONA schools in Maricopa and Pima counties
  • WORK directly with the arts and culture organizations to provide FREE field trips
  • PROVIDE FREE bus transportation to the field trips
  • SUPPORT pre and post workshops in the classroom using teaching artists associated with the field trips

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    Dan Schay

    Executive Director, Theatre Works

    "Act One is a vital connector between the arts community and the educational community…brings together the kids and the schools with the need, with the arts and cultural organizations that have the programs to address that need. That’s the genius of Act One!"

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    Alexandra Nelson

    Director of Arts Learning, Arizona Commission on the Arts

    "Arts experiences and arts curriculum, as part of a comprehensive education, help students develop the skills needed to thrive in the creative economy of tomorrow."

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    Pearl Esau

    President and CEO, Expect More Arizona

    "Act One Foundation is the perfect intersection of Mac and Russ Perlich’s passion for education and the arts."

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    Dana McGuinness

    Public Relation Manager, ASU Gammage

    "Experiencing live performance for the first time can impact a student's life in so many ways. Act One is changing thousands of students lives each year by giving them this opportunity."

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    Greg Stanton

    Mayor - City of Phoenix

    Arts education for children is critical to developing well-rounded adults. Learning to appreciate and express our common humanity and different cultures gives meaning to life... Act One's work in engaging young students in the arts can transform and change the trajectory of lives.

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    Robert C. Booker

    Executive Director, Arizona Commission on the Arts

    "One fact is very clear: the arts make a difference. Children receiving art instruction as part of their education have greater success in reading, mathematics, thinking and social skills."

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    Mac Perlich

    Act One Foundation Co-founder

    "I believe what they experience on stage may inspire their lives."

Watch Act One in Action

“Substantive engagement with the arts and culture in their community has a positive effect on student's development of social competencies, including teamwork and collaboration skills and social tolerance. These invaluable lessons and values are critical for the life they will lead after graduation, as they take their place in the community as business owners, co-workers, parents and citizens. Act One believes that participation in the arts fosters active participation in life.“

Teniqua Broughton
Executive Director