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Our Impact
In our 2024-2025 season, we were able to substantially increase the number of programs we offered, adding two full productions to our season. We got to know many new families and continued training students, new and old! Thank you to those who have sacrificed your time, talents, and finances to support this ministry from the beginning. We couldn’t do this work without you! You can see our full 2024-2025 Annual Report below.
That's over 350 students trained and over 4,000 audience members served (including free performances from classes and camps).
A Note From Our Executive Director
"Training in the art of theatre and storytelling is important. It teaches transferable skills that will serve our students for the rest of their lives, whether they continue in the theatre world or not. But without our focus on gospel fluency, Bright Lights would just be another children’s theatre. There isn’t anything wrong with that, but it isn’t our calling. Megan and I, in particular, have always felt called to integrate theatre and theology. The hope is to use theatre as a means for sharing the gospel. This was, after all, one of the primary methods that Jesus Christ himself used to teach about the Kingdom of God. Jesus told parable after parable (short stories with real life examples) to make Kingdom truth more understandable for those who had ears to hear. He was the Master Storyteller, and we long for our students to reflect the image of Jesus by masterfully telling stories that share those same truths."
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—Lauren Hensarling, Executive Director
2024-2025 Financial Overview
NET REVENUE: -$10,329.43
We were encouraged to see a significant increase in our donations this fiscal year. Nevertheless, you will notice that, for the first time, our total expenses outweighed our total revenue. The cost of supplies, rent, and licenses has only increased over the last few years, despite the generosity of our church partners and many in-kind donations of needed supplies. You can see our goals for stewarding our revenue well into the future below.
“Bright Lights Theatre is truly a “bright light” for our family. Our daughter has always loved performing, but as Christian parents we weren’t sure where she could grow in her talent and also learn to share it in godly ways. We thank God often for Lauren and Megan because of their faith-focused approach to the musical stories they direct, and the quality of their instruction and performances.
Piper’s first show was Junie B. Jones and she has been in almost every show, masterclass, and camp ever since. She has learned how to be comfortable on stage and that confidence has extended into other areas of her life. She has learned how to work through the disappointment of not getting the part she wanted, as well as how to graciously receive a lead role. She has connected with friends from different schools and different grade levels who have the same passion to perform that she has. We strongly encourage supporting this ministry financially if you can, because they truly offer “bright light” and future hope for kids wanting to pursue performing in a darkened industry."
Gorrod Family
2025-2026 Goals
Regulate the Budget
In order to provide sustainability for the future of Bright Lights Theatre, we are having our budget professionally analyzed to find a sustainable balance between our earned revenue, expenses, and fundraising goals.
Increase Our Fundraising Goals
As we grow, expenses have continued to increase. In order to maintain our lower-than-average tuition and ticket prices, we need to increase our fundraising efforts. You will notice we set a higher goal for North Texas Giving Day and monthly donors this year.
Train New Staff Members
Many of our regular seasonal staff are going through life transitions that will keep them from directing this year. This gives us an opportunity to welcome new staff members into the BLT family and focus on training them to confidently integrate and articulate gospel truths into their directing.