Theater as Civic Dialogue

Implements intentional practices to center diversity, equity, and inclusion including selecting programming from marginalized voices, choosing diverse program leaders, reviewing casting and data policies, and committing to transparent governance and communication.

Creates and delivers no-cost, custom theater and arts programming to members of community groups in New York City, including specialized productions such as Sing Out! for participants at the Initiative for Women with Disabilities.

Organizes and hosts multiple community events annually, including fundraisers, Broadway-themed dance parties, and Launch Day events, with volunteer involvement in planning and execution.

Offers theater, acting, music, singing, and dancing classes, workshops, and camps through AWT You(niversity), including virtual classes, open mic nights, video projects, and student-participation shows and musicals. Provides Pay What You Can options, flexible payment plans, and financial assistance for tuition.

Manages ticketing for performances including ticket exchanges, at-door waitlists for sold-out shows, on-site ticket sales, and issuing tax receipts when performances are cancelled.

Produces the "AWTea with Mary" blog series to highlight participants' experiences with AfterWork Theater and their lives outside of theater, amplifying personal narratives.

Produces and presents a range of theatrical programs including musicals, plays, cabarets, and original productions, both in-person and virtual, with 66 performances hosted annually many of which sell out. Includes load-in operations, backstage support, and all-out rehearsals involving multiple casts.

Offers unpaid shadowing and apprenticeship opportunities in theater production roles such as direction, choreography, music direction, and stage management to build participant skills and experience.

Offers multiple financial accessibility options including Pay What You Can tuition, flexible payment plans, financial assistance providing 25-100% relief, and mechanisms to transfer or convert tuition credits to support broader access to programs.

Directs a portion of proceeds from specific theatrical readings, such as "My Witch: The Margaret Hamilton Stories," to support external nonprofit organizations like Let’s Send These Kids to School.

Produces a comedic and analytical podcast that explores Shakespearean characters and themes, distributed through media platforms to reach a broad audience.

Creates and stages live theater productions, including original plays and contemporary adaptations, such as a pandemic-themed adaptation of The Decameron and a murder-mystery-farce featuring reimagined Gothic characters. The organization has presented works at festivals including SheNYC Summer Theater Festival and FringeNYC, where it received recognition for ensemble excellence.

Operates a monthly film screening series on the fourth Saturday of each month and presents a diverse range of performances including dance, music, magic, and visual art. In 2023, the theater presented 62 musical performances, 33 dance events, 12 magic shows, 24 film screenings, and 4 visual art exhibitions.

Manages and operates a theater at 44 W. Bridge Street in Catskill, NY, with all 84 seats dedicated through contributions to a capital campaign, serving as a venue for professional productions and community events.

Hosts staged readings and developmental workshops for new plays and musicals, including works by emerging and local playwrights such as Nathan Johnson, Jason Wang, and Daniel Pink. These events are part of a broader commitment to nurturing new voices and supporting Hudson Valley-based theater artists.

Produces an annual five-play Mainstage subscription series featuring original and contemporary plays, including world premieres and reimagined classics. Recent productions include "Bakersfield Mist," "The Lisbon Traviata," and "Happy Days," presented in a dedicated 84-seat theater facility in Catskill, NY.

Makes its theater space available to outside performing groups and partners with Catskill High School to provide theatrical opportunities for students, supporting local arts education and community engagement.

Offers free and deeply discounted tickets to students, children, and underserved audiences through outreach initiatives, including free public performances and partnerships with public libraries to increase community access to live theater.