Description
THE NEED Students who attend high quality after-school programs fare markedly better in school, relate better to peers, and have far fewer incidences of drug use, violence and pregnancy. Nowhere is quality after-school programming needed more than in New York City, where half of high school students lack the support, commitment and self-confidence to graduate in four years and a third drop out altogether. Of course, the city's worst performing schools also have the greatest shortage of programming; most acutely, programs that teach the arts. In these schools, the need for programs that empower students and make learning exciting is great. Opening Act meets that need by providing free, sustainable, high quality theater programs to NYC's most under-served schools.
WHAT WE DO Opening Act's voluntary, weekly, after-school theater programs span a full year and use improvisation, acting games and writing exercises to help students unleash their creativity, foster collaboration and develop professional acting technique. Through their artistic achievements, Opening Act students develop leadership and problem solving skills and strengthen their abilities in writing and self-expression. The culmination of each program is an original production, created and performed by the students in professional theaters.
Although our medium is the theater, our results go well beyond the stage. Opening Act students graduate as energized leaders within their schools. They value community and commitment and display confidence in themselves and their ability to accomplish anything they set out to achieve.
