The Hamilton Project

March 20, 2025

This season, the Hobby Center took a bold step forward in our mission to connect, convene, and inspire Houstonians through the power of the arts. With the return of the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton, we launched The Hamilton Project — a transformative educational initiative designed to harness the energy of this landmark production and bring it into classrooms across our city.

Over the course of several months, students from more than 28 high schools, 27 of which are Title I campuses, explored U.S. history, civic leadership, and creative expression through a specially designed curriculum. Their work culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a free student performance of Hamilton at the Hobby Center’s Sarofim Hall, attended by more than 2,200 students and educators. For many students, it was their first time seeing live theater. For all of them, it was a moment of connection — to history, to identity, and to their own power to create change. They didn’t just watch the show; they prepared for it, researched it, and created original works of poetry, performance, and song inspired by it. In doing so, they became not just audience members, but authors of their own stories.

This initiative reflects the Hobby Center’s expanded commitment to education and equity, and our vision for a performing arts center that serves as a catalyst for learning, leadership, and cultural connection. We’re deeply grateful to Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook for their visionary support of this project, and to the consortium of donors and civic leaders who brought it to life. The impact of their generosity will resonate far beyond a single night at the theater. On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, thank you for believing in the power of the arts to inspire the next generation of changemakers. This is just the beginning.

THE HAMILTON PROJECT COMMITTEE

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is deeply grateful to the Hamilton Project Committee for providing thoughtful guidance and support, and in particular to Tom Elsenbrook for his visionary leadership in making this project a reality for students in Houston.

Tom Elsenbrook, Chair
Paul Castro
Ryan Dolibois
Kap McWhorter

Our deepest thanks to the generous donors* whose
contributions made this unique opportunity possible:

$25,000+
Ken Bohan and Dean O’Kelley
Marlene Marker / The Marker Group, Inc.

$10,000 – $24,999
Pam and Rob Doty
Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook
Harriet and Joe Foster Foundation
HISD Foundation
Mady and Ken Kades
Lugano
Bobbie Nau
Nancy and Bryan Ruez
Jeri and Marc Shapiro
Bette and Ralph Thomas
Stephanie and Frank Tsuru
Anonymous

$5,000 – $9,999
Sharise and Stephen Amante
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Baldwin
DCCM
Barbara Duganier and Mike Urban
Hildebrand Fund
Bill and Claire Howard
Denise Monteleone
Mary Ricciardello and Doug Sandvig
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Smith
Pam and Paul Thompson

$1,000 – $4,999
Samantha Kast
Karen Hook King
Betsy and Hunter Nelson
Rosanne and David Oelfke
Greg Pipkin
Fred and Kellye Williams
Anonymous

$100 – $999
Ryan Allen
Brannon Joseph Beck
Clif Giles
Andrew Jarrett
Sandra Johanneman
Kathy and Chase Spence
Kathy Welch

*This list reflects donations received as of March 26, 2025.