In early May, 260 seventh-graders from Sanford traveled an hour and a half to attend a student matinee of The Public Theatre’s closing show, “Beau Jest.” Another 70-plus middle and high school kids traveled from Boothbay and Jay to have that privilege.

The Public Theatre has always been committed to making the performing arts accessible to area students, without any direct public funding. During our 20 seasons, more than 80,000 area kids have been able to experience live theater, and now, with a $5 student ticket price in place for every performance, those without school-day access can accompany their families to public performances.

While this is gratifying for those of us who are passionate about the arts and eager to expose kids in our communities to live theater, I’m sad, and more than a little confused, that the biggest student audiences this year have been comprised of kids from out of town. Local area students seem to have less exposure to The Public Theatre than ever in our history.

There is often a bias that what is available “in our own backyard” is less worthy of our attention than things “‘from away.” I want to challenge that way of thinking.

I invite parents, teachers and PTAs to explore the amazing offerings at The Public Theater when planning field trips and family outings next season. Let’s give local students the same culturally enriching opportunities enjoyed by those from elsewhere in Maine.

Sheri Olstein, Auburn

Editor’s note: Olstein is president of the board of directors of The Public Theatre in Lewiston.