Equity Through Structural Integration

Provides theater education workshops and classes for K–12 students through the Groundlings Program, offering single-day to multi-week formats in puppetry, improvisation, playwriting, Shakespeare, and theater arts. Programs are delivered in schools and other educational settings across its service regions.

Expands organizational leadership by increasing BIPOC and LGBTQ+ representation on its board and conducts annual anti-racism trainings for staff and company members. Also collaborates with local Indigenous peoples to acknowledge and learn from the Haudenosaunee, the original stewards of the land.

Hosts audience conversations focused on recognizing personal racism and practicing anti-racist behaviors, and actively engages Black, Indigenous, and People of Color audiences in its programming as part of its equity commitment.

Hosts a range of public events at its home venue, Theatre@37 in Perry, NY, including monthly First Friday events, the community Shakespeare Reading Club, the storytelling program The Nameless Club, holiday classic productions, and public performances such as 'A Perfect Party for Trees'.

Produces, presents, and programs original theatrical works created by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists, with a commitment to promoting these artists into leadership roles within the organization. Includes productions such as The Dairy Farmer Project and other original works.

Presents puppetry-focused programming including the international short film program on puppetry, "KAYFABE" (a puppet wrestling spectacle), a Puppet Slam featuring original short works, and large-scale installations like "THE WHALE," a 65-foot inflatable puppet-sculpture-music installation.

Produces and tours abridged, 90-minute outdoor performances of Shakespeare plays with live music and physical expressiveness across rural communities in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and Central Arkansas. Performances require only electricity from host sites and include pre-show music and post-performance talkbacks at selected venues.

Partners with Voices UnCaged to deliver theater arts programming in correctional facilities, where participants develop and perform original works for peers within one week. The organization has increased investment in this program to support returning citizens.

Operates the Job Readiness Apprenticeship Program (JobRAP), an internship that trains high school students in resume writing, interview techniques, and job skills through hands-on experience with staff. Also provides BIPOC youth with career learning opportunities via panel discussions, mentorship, and practical work experience at TADA!.

Provides study guides for its musical productions, such as *The History Mystery*, to support educational engagement and classroom integration.

Organizes open house events featuring interactive sample classes in musical theater led by NYC Teaching Artists, scheduled for children ages 4–7 and 8–13, to promote programs and recruit new participants.

Operates a theater space with a 24’x31.5’ stage, seating for 112, box office, dressing rooms, and full lighting/sound systems, plus two rehearsal studios (750 sq. ft. and 364 sq. ft.) equipped with pianos, audio gear, climate control, and free WiFi, available for use by artists and teaching staff.

Annually assesses social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes using the Hello Insight Metrics Tool, tracking improvements in performance readiness, collaboration, commitment fulfillment, and academic/social stability among participants.

Provides in-person and after-school musical theater classes, camps, and residencies for children and teens across all five boroughs of New York City, including a summer camp program for ages 5–12 and short-term workshops like a one-day *Frozen*-themed Broadway camp. Programs use ensemble-building and team-teaching models to nurture creativity, confidence, and collaboration.

Runs a free, year-round program for 40–80 youth ages 8–18 from NYC and New Jersey, offering pre-professional theater training, performance opportunities in mainstage productions, leadership development, and academic support. Admission is via open audition with no prior experience required, and the program prioritizes BIPOC youth.

Creates and presents original, socially relevant musicals performed by youth ages 8–18, with professional creative teams; produces annual mainstage shows running 17–35 performances for young audiences and families, such as *The Little Moon Theater* and *Sleepover*. Since 1984, over 179,000 audience members have attended live productions.

Offers pay-what-you-can tickets starting at $1.00, group discounts up to 66%, discounted/free tickets for nonprofit groups, full-tuition sponsorships for BIPOC students with financial need, and financial aid for classes and camps to ensure equitable access.

Pairs BIPOC teen ensemble members with BIPOC theater professionals in off-stage roles (e.g., stage management, design) for career development, with compensation provided to all participants.