named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Full-Scale Musical Theatre Productions
Produces professional-quality musical theatre productions for children and youth, including pilot productions of new works licensed by Music Theatre International
Music and Dance Education Programs
Offers group voice, audition preparation, choreography, and music direction classes as part of its year-round theatre arts curriculum
Pilot Production Program
One of four official pilot programs recognized by Music Theatre International, workshopping new theatrical scripts and productions for national licensing
Summer Lights Program
Summer theatre program for youth, offering performance and arts education opportunities, directed and choreographed by experienced teaching artists
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Youth Theater Arts Education 3 activities
- Audition and Performance Preparation ProgramsOffers free coaching and workshops for students applying to competitive NYC performing arts high schools and colleges, including support with song and monologue selection, melodic and rhythmic patterns, improvisation, and audition experience sharing. Also provides free coaching for audition preparation in song and monologue selection.
- Capacity-Building Partnership with Music Theatre InternationalParticipates as one of four national pilot programs with Music Theatre International, workshopping new theatrical shows and scripts for broader educational and community audiences.
- Theatre Arts Education ProgramsProvides theatre arts education for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, including dance, vocal training, group and solo performance, and music and dance programs, culminating in final presentations for families. Programs emphasize inclusion of children from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
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Youth Musical Theater Productions 1 activity
- Full-Scale Youth Musical Theatre ProductionsProduces full-scale musical theatre performances for youth in grades 3–12 through audition-based programs, featuring professional direction, choreography, lighting, scenery, and costumes. The organization has produced over 160 theatrical productions and live events since 2010, including junior adaptations of major musicals such as Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Finding Nemo, Shrek the Musical, Hairspray, Matilda, Mean Girls, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Guys and Dolls.
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Benefit Events for Arts and Culture 1 activity
- Fundraising EventsHosts annual fundraising events including the Starry Night Gala and fundraising concerts to support youth arts programs and scholarships.
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Arts Education Scholarships 1 activity
- Scholarships and Tuition AssistanceDistributes scholarships and provides tuition assistance to nearly one-third of participating families to increase access to arts education programs. Includes the Kevin Woods Irish Arts Scholarship Fund, which supports tuition and travel costs for families studying Irish music or dance.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Seasonal and Community PerformancesHosts winter and spring performances at community venues including Hayes Auditorium at the University of Mount Saint Vincent and the main auditorium of St. Barnabas Elementary School in Woodlawn, the Bronx.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$942K
Contributions & grants$260K28%
Program service revenue$692K74%
Investment income$40%
Other revenue$-11K
expenses
Total expenses$841K
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead13%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$250K
Grants paid out$48K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$353K
Cash$351K
Investments$0
Liabilities$26K
Net assets$327K
Liquid reserves5.0 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +21.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| REBECCA L WOODS | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/VP/TREAS | 40 | $100K |
| DEREK WOODS | PRESIDENT/SECRETARY | 20 | $65K |
board members · 5
- DORIS QUINONES — DIRECTOR
- JOEY PARNES — DIRECTOR
- MICHELE PAWK — DIRECTOR
- TAMI BEZBORODKO — DIRECTOR
- TIM MILLER — DIRECTOR
relationships · 10
Who they work with
- Bronx House Partner — Linda LoPresti serves as music director for both RCT and Bronx House, indicating a collaborative relationship.
- Music Theatre International Partner — Collaborates as one of four national pilot programs to workshop and premiere new theatrical works.
- Riverdale Children's Theatre Network — Member of the broader theatre community that draws on Broadway traditions.
- Saint Barnabas School Partner — Hosts Riverdale Children's Theatre programs.
- St Barnabas Elementary School Partner — Hosts the NYC high school audition preparation workshops for Riverdale Children's Theatre.
- St. Barnabas Elementary School Partner — Hosts RCT Centerpiece Productions in its main auditorium in Woodlawn, the Bronx.
- Stephen Hillenburg Partner — Collaborates on productions based on the series created by Stephen Hillenburg.
- University of Mount Saint Vincent Partner — Hosts RCT performances at Hayes Auditorium.
- University of Mount Saint Vincent Partner — Hosts auditions at Hayes Auditorium on its campus.
- University of North Carolina Partner — Former institution where Dave Lillie, honored by the organization, served as a professor and influenced educational practices.
strategies · 3
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.
- Arts-Integrated Education for Holistic Developmentmethodology: arts-integrated-educationBy embedding full-scale theatrical production into education, the organization develops artistic skills, emotional and intellectual growth, self-esteem, teamwork, and community, because immersive creative experiences foster deeper personal and social development than traditional instruction alone.
- Ensemble-Based Learning for Social Responsibilitymethodology: ensemble-based-learningBy engaging children in ensemble-based theatre productions, the organization teaches responsibility and belonging, because emphasizing the essential role of each participant fosters mutual accountability and collective success.
- Equity-Centered Theatre Culturemethodology: equity-centered-theatre-educationBy integrating anti-racism, inclusion, and emotional healing into program culture, the organization builds belonging and equitable access, because systemic barriers in the arts are reduced through intentional cultural practices and free audition preparation that level disparities in training access.