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Since its founding in 1984, TADA! has been the leading producer of professional-quality youth theater in New York City. TADA!'s mission is to offer any NYC child, with an interest or talent in theater, the opportunity to partake in professionally directed productions, staged readings, in-school/after-school arts education programs, and classes.
TADA! is a multi-faceted and multi-cultural organization that emphasizes diversity in all areas of its operations. We offer a subsidized ticket program for mainstage shows; arts education in a wide variety of schools in low-income communities in all five boroughs; maintain a free training/youth development program for NYC kids ages 8-18, and offer teens the opportunity to critique, perform in and be audience members for a playwriting contest and reading series. The children we serve, the programs we develop, our audience members and our staff fully represent the diversity and vitality of New York City.
TADA! kids develop their imagination, talent, self-esteem, concentration, discipline, teamwork, public speaking ability and vocabulary in a fun, safe and stimulating environment. Mainstage productions are selected with the belief that quality children's theater, based on relevant themes can teach children about themselves and their world.
TADA! and its co-founder, current Executive and Artistic Director Janine Nina Trevens, have received many honors and awards including American Alliance for Theater Education's 2002 Anne Flagg Multicultural Award, selection as a semifinalist for the 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005 Coming Up Taller Award by the President's Committee on The Arts and The Humanities, the NEA and NEH; Family Circle Magazine's 1st Annual Halo Award; and Parenting Magazine's 10th Anniversary Ten Parenting Leaders.
The Youth Ensemble has performed by invitation at The White House, Gracie Mansion, Downtown River to River Festival, The Goodwill Games, Save the Children with host Alec Baldwin, CultureFest, United Way/NFL Benefit and various other events.
Original Mainstage Productions: TADA!'s original productions employ professional directors, choreographers and designers who work with a multi-ethnic cast of children. Each production is cast through open auditions that take place at TADA! and in NYC schools.
Resident Youth Ensemble: At the heart of TADA! is the Resident Youth Ensemble, TADA!'s Pre-Professional Youth Development Program. Membership in the Ensemble is by audition only, and there are no fees or dues required to participate. Ensemble members, NYC youth ages 8-18, rehearse for each mainstage production after school and on weekends for seven weeks. Ensemble members receive free year-round advanced training in music theory, dance, voice/diction and acting; academic tutoring as needed; high school and college audition preparation; and panel sessions with professionals in the field.
Annual One-Act Playwriting Contest and Staged Reading Series: Part of TEEN TADA!, the contest and series are designed to encourage playwrights to write for teen audiences, and teen performers. The contest accepts work that deals with teen issues and stories, and the series involves teens in the excitement of the play development process.
Arts Education Programs: Last year over 35,000 kids and 500 teachers were trained in or exposed to musical theater, drama and playwriting through TADA!'s efforts. Children and youth from in-school programs are encouraged to attend TADA!'s on-site classes, and 25-30% of all students receive need-based scholarships. TADA!’s education programs and theater classes are our most extensive outreach effort. Last year, our renowned Arts Education in-school residencies and after-school programs continued with more than 96 programs in NYC schools.
Over the past 22 years, we've heard over and over again from children, youth, alumni, educators and parents whose lives have been touched by a TADA! program. Their words inspire us to move forward despite the ever-changing non-profit landscape.
The ongoing support from TADA!'s friends is an integral part of continuing our programs for children and families throughout NYC. We believe that arts programs of all kinds are essential to children and youth. Arts programs provide positive, creative outlets for NYC kids. TADA! is committed to providing its musical theater and theater programs to all the children in this area, but we need your help doing so.
To learn about the many ways you can pitch in, please continue reading.
Apply to be a Fall/Winter TADA! Intern
TADA!'s performances and classes are made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
TADA! is supported in part by funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
TADA!'s in-school, arts integrated residencies are supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts