By Libby Pedersen
Ignite Theatre Company
In honor of the 120th anniversary of the 1904 World’s Fair, Ignite Theatre Company partnered with the Missouri History Museum to produce Meet Me in St. Louis—a musical celebration that became much more than just a performance. Thanks to the support of a Missouri Humanities grant, this project evolved into an immersive educational journey for our young performers and staff alike. 
Our goal was to connect student actors with Missouri’s vibrant past, helping them explore the cultural impact of the 1904 World’s Fair and its legacy in St. Louis. Students worked directly with Missouri historians, explored artifacts, examined personal stories from the era, and began to understand the complex layers of history that shaped their city.
For many of our performers—ages 10 to 18—it was their first time learning about this pivotal moment in Missouri’s story. Even our staff, lifelong Missourians in many cases, discovered new and challenging truths about our city’s past. From riding a replica trolley to standing on the very grounds where the World’s Fair took place, students brought this history to life in a way that was both meaningful and transformative. 
This project aligned powerfully with Ignite’s mission: to grow great people first, and great performers second—because great people come from great cities that invest in their arts, culture, and community. Through this experience, our students didn’t just gain theatrical skills—they deepened their civic pride, grew their empathy, and learned to use storytelling as a way to honor and question the past.
The production of Meet Me in St. Louis culminated in a joyful, high-quality performance, but its greatest impact was the learning, discovery, and pride it sparked in the next generation of St. Louis storytellers. We’re grateful to Missouri Humanities for helping make this unforgettable experience possible.
