Children's Performing Arts Series
Live Professional Theater Shows Your Whole Family Will Love!
The Children's Performing Arts Series brings professional touring theater shows to Abilene for the benefit of children and families. Hundreds of free tickets are given away each year, and all other tickets are sold at the artificially low price of $10. The goal is that ALL children and families can enjoy the shows, regardless of financial means!
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Mission
Since its creation in 1985, the Children's Performing Arts Series has provided quality live entertainment to thousands of children and families without having to leave the area.
Arts in Abilene
Abilene is home to a vibrant arts community, and the Children's Performing Arts Series is proud to be a part of an ongoing effort to inspire young minds. All CPAS performances take place in the restored Historic Paramount Theatre, which has been delighting audiences with shows of all kinds since 1929.
How to Help
The Children's Performing Arts Series is under the auspices of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, which is a division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Tax deductible sponsorships and donations may be made to CPAS through the council's Abilene Arts Alliance. Sponsorships help keep ticket prices afforable. Please contact us if you would like more information.
Storybook Capital of America
In 2015, the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas designated Abilene as the official Storybook Capital of Texas for its efforts to celebrate literary works for children. The city is home to a museum that was the first of its kind in the nation called the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, and Storybook Sculptures of characters from children’s books populate downtown Abilene. The city hosts an annual event called the Children’s Art & Literacy Festival that grows each year. To recognize the growing appeal of the Storybook Capital, the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council in partnership with the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau decided in 2018 to trademark the term “Storybook Capital of America” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
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Many of the shows Children's Performing Arts Series brings to Abilene are based on popular children's books, from Alice in Wonderland, to the Wizard of Oz, to the Magic School Bus and more. We encourage families to read these books prior to the shows to help children follow along and have an even more enjoyable experience!