Young People & Families
Are you interested in signing up your child?
We have only two requirements; that the child is between 9 and 11 years of age and that the child lives in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood (40th – 57th Streets, West of 8th Avenue).
If your child meets those requirements, simply click the button to complete our questionnaire. Once completed, our Director of Education will contact you to schedule a meeting. For that meeting, the child comes in with an adult (preferably a parent) and sits to discuss their interest and the program expectations. They then fill out an application. Once the application process is completed, there’s a waiting period of 6 months to a year. During that time, we hope you’ll come to see shows other kids have written and/or are performing in as a way to get to know what your child would possibly be doing in the future.
Everytime you see them, or you see anyone here, happy mode is just on!
Samaria, age 9
Volunteer
A vibrant community of volunteer theater artists, designers, technicians, and educators come together to support the young people in their arts programming, productions, and education!
I love the organization and what it offers by way of being a part of your community…I got to play a British travel agent who was a ‘possum.
Billy Crudup
THEATER ARTISTS
During each arts program, Project Members are partnered with adult volunteer theater artists who support and collaborate with them to bring their vision to life. Performers, directors, and writers are invited to participate in artistic programming to give each member personalized support and keep at least a 1:1 ratio of young people to adults.
TECHNICIANS
Every arts program culminates with a presentation of the work the young people have made, and production volunteers help the young people fully realize the work they’ve created. Costume designers, lighting designers, sound designers, stage managers, and backstage crew are regularly needed for 52nd Street Project productions.
EDUCATIONAL
Volunteer tutors support Project Members with schoolwork and with educational goals like college applications, and are brought on by our education team on an as needed basis. After getting to know The 52nd Street Project community, volunteers also may be invited to participate in Smart Partners, a weekly mentor program.
If you’re interested in joining The 52nd Street Project’s volunteer community, fill out the Volunteer Survey.
Internships
The 52nd Street Project accepts two interns each Fall, Spring, and Summer. Our interns support both education and performance programming. Interns also work backstage crew during production weeks. Our interns work closely with Project staff and kids — and get to see how a non-profit community arts organization runs day-to-day. They have the opportunity to collaborate with professional actors, directors, stage managers, and technical designers from the New York Theater community.
If you are interested in applying for an internship at The 52nd Street Project, please submit your resume and cover letter.
During my time as an intern, my biggest joy was getting to see these amazing young people demonstrate a complex understanding of the problems we all experience on a daily basis.
Christian Corpenning
Support Us
Everything that we do is free of charge. The programs are free for the kids, the shows are free for the public. Your support is crucial. Learn more about all the ways to support us below.
Supplies
Travel Costs
Food
Scholarships
Job Opportunities
Description:
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Education to join our team. The ideal candidate will be fluent in Spanish and possess a bachelor’s degree in social work, childhood development, or education. The candidate would have 3-5 years of experience working with children and their families in community outreach and coordination, and have a passion for theater education.
Responsibilities:
• Oversee and manage the after-school Homework Help and tutoring programs
• Run the Scholarship program, including overseeing the application process, awarding scholarships, and running yearly scholarship party events.
• Run the College Prep program, guiding students through the college application and admission processes, and collaborating with Education Associate in developing and coordinating workshops for high school students.
• Supervise the Teen Employment program, providing support and guidance for job readiness and employment opportunities for teenage members.
• Support the P.S. 111 outreach program, enhancing community engagement and participation in 52nd Street Project programs.
• Supervise the Education Associate in the administration and operation of their programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison for communication with schools.
• Serve as point person for communication with families and children.
• Manage the intake process for new children and families and establish strong relationships with them.
• Collaborate with the Arts team in selecting members for various programs throughout the year.
• Conduct regular consultations with the Clinical Consultant to discuss Project members’ emotional needs and progress within programs.
• Provide regular insights and updates on children to the staff.
• Alternate with the Education Associate in attending writing and rehearsal retreats for 52nd Street Project programs to ensure adequate support and supervision.
• Attend 52nd Street Project performances and provide support to community members during shows.
• Prepare and complete mailings for both artistic and educational programs.
• Act as the main point of contact for the cleaning team.
Job Type: Full-Time, $60,000- $65,000/yr.
Requirements:
• Fluency in Spanish
• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years of experience working with young people and their families in a supervisory role
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to work collaboratively in a group with a diverse team and community
• Strong decision-making abilities
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
•Enthusiasm about the 52nd Street Project’s mission and passion for theater education
•Driver’s license and willingness to drive adult volunteers and children on road trips to various retreats
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience to
Johanna Vidal-Dowling at vidal@52project.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
