Participating in Theatre

Students discuss how they would like to participate in more theatre arts. Watch the video below to see their responses.

Are schools supporting Theatre Arts?

Students speak about how their school supports theatre arts. Watch the video below to see their responses.

Where are students participating in theatre?

Students interested in acting discuss their experience in theatre arts. Watch the video below to see their responses.

What's a Playbill?

The video below displays students from low socio-economic schools in the Bronx. Participants were shown a Playbill, then asked to identify what the item was. Here are their responses.

Using theatre as a bridge for the school and community

Teachers discuss how theatre arts can engage the community. Watch the video below to see their responses.

How students benefit from Theatre Arts

Teachers discuss how theatre arts is beneficial to their students. Watch the video below to see their responses.

The difference in exposure to Theatre Arts in NYC communities

Teachers speak about the difference in exposure to Theatre Arts in New York City schools.
Watch the video below to see their responses.

Theatre Arts and the Community

Principals speak about how their school bridges theatre arts and the community.
Watch the video below to see their responses.

Theatre Arts Budget

Principals speak about funding allocated towards Theatre Arts.
Watch the video below to see their responses.

Do students value or appreciate Theatre Arts?

Principals speak about how their student population appreciates Theatre Arts.
Watch the video below to see their responses.

Theatre, as part of the school culture.

Principals speak about Theatre Arts as part of their school culture, and how it supports their school mission. Watch the video below to see their responses.

Talia's Story

As a native New Yorker, born and raised in Spanish Harlem and the Bronx, all I wanted to do was perform. In school, the only class I enjoyed was art because it was the only opportunity I had to be creative. By the time I was in high school, I begged teachers to put on a school musical. Due to the lack of resources, funding, and interest it wasn't possible to implement a theatre program during the school day or after-school. I felt my dream of playing Anita in "West Side Story" slowly slipping away. 

With such a need to perform, I knew I had to seek an opportunity outside of school, but where? There were no theatre programs in my community to join, in neither Spanish Harlem nor the Bronx. By the time I was in my Junior year, I found a youth theatre company in the Lower East Side of Manhattan; in a neighborhood booming of all art forms, with a high appreciation of the arts and artists in the community. The company was called Urban Youth Theatre (U.Y.T.), part of the Abrons Art Center at the Henry Street Settlement. I traveled over an hour on the weekends and after-school to take theatre classes, and to rehearse and perform in their productions. I spent three years as a U.Y.T. company member. It changed my life.

I am so grateful for the chance to have been a member in this company, especially at an age when I craved the opportunity to perform. I was the only person from Spanish Harlem there, and there was a handful of members from the Bronx. But majority of the members were from the downtown area of Manhattan, where they had been exposed to a generous amount of theatre arts in their school. I was amazed of how knowledgeable they were on musicals, Broadway, and the industry; as well as their high appreciate for theatre. I quickly realized how different neighborhoods in New York City valued the arts and made it available to community members. 

Thinking back on this experience, I know that I am not the only one that went through this; and that it is still happening today. There are many students who have the need to be creative through performance, yet have no outlet. It was important for me to do this research because of my personal story and connection to experiencing the lack of theatre arts in the predominantly Latino neighborhoods I grew up in. I hope that this blog will become a part of the conversation of the lack of theatre arts in schools; and will be used as a resource in the field of theatre arts education. 

Wendy's Story

As a product of the New York City public school system, it could be said that some of the greatest attributes I possess, have a lot to do with the community and surroundings from which I came. As a child, my community and culture became mostly the support I received in school. Being first generation American to Dominican parents, I was constantly finding myself struggling to figure out my identity. In the 3rd grade, my whole life changed when I discovered Theatre. I remember being so proud of myself on stage, it was the best feeling in the world. I found my identity through theatre and till this day, it remains to be my biggest accomplishment.

As a teacher in New York City public schools, I see so much of that same struggle in my students and I feel privileged to help my students find their own identities and discover what their passion is. This research was the perfect opportunity to combine the city I love, with the artistry I am very passionate about and explore the impact of theatre in low and high socio-economic status neighborhoods in New York City. During the process of this research, it was important to explore the great influence of theatre on New York City students.

Born and bred in Washington Heights, I have experienced both the triumphs and challenges of our city’s schools. These experiences have helped to shape both my individual character and my future goals and aspirations. As a graduate candidate in the Educational Theatre program at CUNY The City College of New York, I have chosen to focus on performance and art-based approaches to engage students through varied curriculums, across all ages and subjects. I have learned and experienced that there are many different kinds of learners. It is crucial to find a way to acknowledge them and give them the right tools and skills to help them feel empowered at school. No child should feel like they don’t fit in, like I once did. I strongly and passionately believe that every one has something they are great at and as an educator I want to encourage and challenge my students to try everything until they figure what that special something is.

My commitment to education is connected to my roots in New York City and my passion for discovering new and exciting ways to engage every type of child and student through use of Theatre. It is not only my devotion to New York City schools that pushes me forward; it is my belief that my vision for the classroom and its children, is one that will contribute in a powerful and meaningful way to the community. 

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