named programs · 16 · from sources
What they call their work
Advanced Musical Theatre Production 1 & 2
Production-based class meeting twice weekly for grades 4–8, culminating in a major musical theater performance
Art Journey 1
Visual arts program for grades 1–3 introducing drawing, painting, and mixed media with emphasis on color mixing, composition, and 2D/3D techniques
Art Journey 2
Intermediate visual arts class for grades 4–6 building on perspective, depth, and advanced painting and drawing techniques
Art Studio 1 & 2
Technique-focused visual arts classes for grades 3–8 incorporating lessons in color theory, shading, and perspective followed by independent projects
Art is Awesome
Introductory visual arts class for pre-K and kindergarten students focusing on colors, shapes, and textures through painting, drawing, and crafts
Comics, Illustration, and Cartoons
Class for grades 4–8 where students create original comics and characters using illustration and storytelling techniques
Hands-On Arts
Craft-centered class for grades 2–4 teaching bookbinding, paper-making, weaving, and stamp-making with functional and artistic outcomes
Introduction to Musical Theater Production
Year-long class for grades 2–4 culminating in a fully staged production with instruction in acting, singing, and technical elements
Just Act
Acting-focused class for grades 4–8 emphasizing monologues, improvisation, scene work, and character development without singing or dancing
Musical Theater Fundamentals
Foundational class for grades 1–5 introducing stagecraft, vocal projection, movement, and ensemble performance through games and exercises
Next Act
High school theater program offering mentorship from Broadway professionals and scholarship-supported training for aspiring performers
Play Production
14-week acting class for grades 5–8 leading to a fully staged and costumed theatrical performance under professional direction
Sewing Design 1 & 2
Class for grades 4–6 teaching fashion illustration, garment design, and sewing machine use to create original clothing or accessories
Stage Technical Production
Hands-on class for grades 6–12 teaching lighting, sound, stage management, and set design through support of live performances
Teen Art
Portfolio development class for grades 6–8 preparing students for art school applications through advanced projects and individual artistic voice
Theater is Awesome
Introductory theater class for pre-K and K students using songs, games, and creative play to build self-expression and confidence
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Youth Theater Arts Education 2 activities
- Hosts summer arts camps for youthOperates annual summer arts camps focused on creative expression, performance, and community building, including a two-week musical theater camp where students produce a full musical from start to finish with daily instruction in singing, dancing, and acting, culminating in public performances.
- Operates youth theater and musical theater programsRuns a comprehensive theater program for youth, including classes in acting, musical theater, and technical theater (lighting, sound, stage management), as well as ensemble-based productions. Programs include the high school musical theatre ensemble, "Next Act" mentorship with Broadway professionals, and full-scale performances produced at the end of each term.
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Arts Education Access Programs 1 activity
- Delivers arts education through school and community partnershipsProvides art and music instruction in public schools, colleges, museums, and community settings across New York City, leading school-based residencies, public youth and family programs, and internships in collaboration with city institutions.
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Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
- Provides affordable music and visual arts education for all agesOffers ongoing group and private instruction in music (piano, guitar, drums, voice, ukulele, banjo, rock band) and visual arts (drawing, painting, mixed media, comics, sewing design) for children, teens, and adults in Astoria and surrounding areas of Queens. Classes run year-round, including fall and summer semesters, with structured curricula tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$548K
Contributions & grants$42K8%
Program service revenue$502K91%
Investment income$10%
Other revenue$4K
expenses
Total expenses$575K
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead12%
Fundraising2%
Salaries & benefits$390K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$82K
Cash$64K
Investments$0
Liabilities$258K
Net assets$-176K
Liquid reserves1.3 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +22.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micah Burgess | Executive Dir. | 20 | $33K |
board members · 5
- Aniko Domokos — Board member
- Bronwyn Burke — President
- Lynda Kennedy — Treasurer
- Patrick Redding — Vice President
- Sue Landis — Secretary
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- Center for Arts Education Partner — Partners on educational programming and youth initiatives.
- International High School at LaGuardia College Partner — Collaborates on school-based art education programs.
- Mia Walker Partner — Collaborates with director Mia Walker on the development of original musicals.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Public funder supporting programs in partnership with the City Council
- Paul Weissman Partner — Longtime instructor leading the Play Production class for Grades 5–8.
- Steven Cardona Partner — Nationally recognized tap dancer and instructor leading Adult Tap classes at Art House Astoria.
- Studio in a School Partner — Collaborates on school-based residencies and public programs.
- The Bronx Museum of the Arts Partner — Partners on school-based residencies and public youth programs.
- The Lost Keys Partner — Co-founded and performs with NYC semi-professional a cappella group.
- local organizations Partner — Collaborates with local organizations to expand arts education and community programming.
- local schools Partner — Partners with local schools to deliver arts programming and community outreach.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Accessible and Inclusive Arts Participationmethodology: inclusive_access_modelBy prioritizing affordability, neurodiversity-inclusive design, and community-supported operations, the organization expands access to transformative arts experiences, because removing financial, cognitive, and social barriers enables broader participation and ensures that creative growth is available to all, regardless of ability or background.
- Community-Centered Arts Educationmethodology: community-centered_arts_educationBy embedding professional artists as educators and co-founders within a neighborhood-rooted institution, the organization fosters deep community participation and sustained engagement in the arts, because shared creative ownership builds belonging, mutual encouragement, and long-term investment in artistic development.
- Ensemble-Based Learning Modelmethodology: ensemble_based_learningBy using ensemble-driven musical theatre and collaborative performance training, the organization develops artistic skill, confidence, and social connection among students, because shared responsibility, peer support, and collective production create deeper engagement than individual instruction alone.
- Progressive Skill-to-Production Pedagogymethodology: progressive_skill_to_productionBy structuring arts education in sequential phases—first building technical skills, then applying them in full creative productions—the organization cultivates student confidence and mastery, because experiential application of learned skills reinforces competence and provides meaningful culminating goals.
- Student-Centered Creative Developmentmethodology: student_centered_learningBy personalizing arts education through song-based, culturally responsive, and developmentally tailored instruction, the organization increases motivation and skill acquisition, because meeting students where they are—using their interests, language, and emotional needs—fosters authentic creative self-expression and sustained learning.