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
Executive Director Search
The next Executive Director will partner with a dynamic Artistic Director and committed board to set the strategic direction for The 52nd Street Project at a critical moment, advocating for why The Project matters now more than ever. The incoming ED will succeed an Executive Director who has capably led the organization for over 30 years and built its reputation as a source of high-quality creative and youth development programming in the neighborhood. The Executive Director will lead fundraising and external relations, oversee financial and operational sustainability, and ensure the Project continues to be a leading cultural organization with meaningful impact on the children and communities it serves. The ideal candidate is an energetic, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader with a proven ability to drive sustainable growth and inspire a talented and motivated team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
● Collaborate with the artistic director and board to shape the future of The 52nd Street Project, setting long-term goals for ongoing impact and ensuring that organizational resources are deployed effectively in support of those goals.
● Direct all aspects of the organization’s business and operations, ensuring every function is aligned with creating experiences that build each child’s sense of self-worth.
● Communicate the vision for The 52nd Street Project so that all internal and external stakeholders understand The Project’s primary goals and know how their work and partnership contribute to making them a reality.
Fundraising and External Relations
● Serve as the primary fundraiser for the organization, leading a small development team to design and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising and events strategy that aligns with The Project’s strategic goals, strengthens its philanthropic pipeline, and ensures financial sustainability.
● Serve as a compelling and engaging spokesperson and advocate, with the ability to succinctly and clearly explain The Project’s mission and goals to diverse audiences.
● Identify, strengthen, and sustain relationships with a variety of partners and stakeholders, including funders, hosts, volunteers, community partners, and elected officials.
Financial and Operational Leadership
● Partner with an outsourced finance team to ensure The Project’s operations and finances are aligned with best practices; monitor and report financial operations to the Board’s Finance Committee.
● Manage The Project’s business activities including financial commitments, contractual arrangements, bill payments, payroll, and information for financial audits.
● Oversee management of all housing and transportation needs for annual out-of-town retreats, including smooth operations and the procurement of supplies as needed.
● Oversee the rental process for the Five Angels Theater and rehearsal space, generating significant earned revenue annually.
Team Leadership
● Provide inspiring, collaborative leadership that strengthens communication across departments and builds a positive, supportive environment that provides opportunities for professional development and has robust HR practices.
● In partnership with the Artistic Director, nurture an integrated and inclusive work culture rooted in open communication, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose.
● Support the hundreds of volunteers that lend their talents and expertise to The Project’s young people each year.
Board Relations
● Work closely with an engaged board to determine and evaluate the strategic direction of The Project, its mission, and goals.
● Develop strong relationships with each board member, ensuring their contribution to The Project is aligned with their interests and the organization’s needs.
● Partner with the current board to attract and engage board members who can help the organization realize its mission; participate in ongoing board recruitment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience – Required
● Significant executive leadership experience, with a track record of setting and realizing outcomes-oriented objectives in collaboration with an engaged board and dedicated staff
● Experience working in a nonprofit; experience and existing relationships in New York City
highly preferred
● Demonstrated success in and a passion for fundraising from diverse sources, collaborating with an active and engaged board and development staff, and building donor relationships
● Strong financial acumen, with experience overseeing a budget and driving financial decision-making
● Familiarity with operational systems and structures and an aptitude for driving operations forward
● Effective management experience leading small to mid-size teams
Experience – Preferred
● Background in theater/performing arts, arts education or youth development
● Bachelor’s degree
Personal Attributes
● A commitment to The Project’s mission and an ability to define its value proposition, with a deep interest in and passion for young people
● Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to represent the organization with emotional intelligence, forge productive partnerships, and effectively engage staff, board, funders, government officials, and community stakeholders
● A creative, entrepreneurial spirit with an ability and willingness to roll up sleeves as needed
● Superior managerial and interpersonal skills, and experience leading a highly capable staff in
ways that emphasize collaboration and teamwork
COMPENSATION
● Anticipated compensation is $140K – $160K, commensurate with qualifications and experience
● Comprehensive benefits package
TO APPLY
Please send cover letter and resume as one PDF to 52ProjectED@pbrsearch.com with title
format “Last Name First Name – Letter Resume” and complete the Voluntary Self Identification form. This will assist us in improving our hiring practices and ensuring equal opportunities. Participation is voluntary and will not affect your candidacy in any way.
Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The 52nd Street Project encourages you to apply.
The 52nd Street Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. The 52nd Street Project will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
