The Best Birthday Gift
Most nine-year-olds spend weeks planning their birthday—what kind of party, what activity, what cake. One of our Debut Theatre students, 9 year old Remy Tahan, did something a little different this year.
Instead of having a party or choosing a special birthday activity, she decided to donate the money her family would have spent celebrating to the Debut Theatre Capital Campaign.
Why? In her words, “I love going to Debut and it is better than any experience, so they definitely deserve it.” For someone so young, her understanding of impact is remarkable. She didn’t just give because she was asked; she gave because she believes in what Debut is building—literally and figuratively.
When we asked how she hopes her donation will help, she didn’t hesitate. She hopes Debut can move into a new space so “way more people can enjoy Debut.” Then she added—very practically—that she hopes the new space is one “that doesn’t leak all the time.” (Honestly? Same.)
But what really stood out was what she wants people to know about Debut.
“It’s a really wonderful place to be a student and to go see a show,” she said. “The instructors are super nice and include you. It’s okay to be different there, and everyone who goes has a good time.”
At nine years old, she perfectly described what we strive to create every day: a place where students feel welcomed, included, and free to be themselves. A place where differences are celebrated and everyone belongs.
When we asked her to sum up what Debut means to her, her answer was simple and powerful:
“Debut means a lot to me because it gives me infinite opportunities to do what I love.”
Infinite opportunities—coming from a student who already understands generosity, community, and the impact one person can have.
We are incredibly grateful for her birthday gift, but even more grateful for the heart behind it. Her decision reminds us why building a permanent home for Debut matters: so more students can discover the joy, confidence, and sense of belonging she already feels.
Happy birthday to a student who reminds us that sometimes the greatest gifts are the ones given to others—and that the future of Debut is bright because of young people like her.
