The 52nd Street Project is a non-profit arts education organization founded in 1981 that offers drama programming for the youth in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City.[1] The 52nd Street Project creates and produces new plays for, and often by, children and teens between the ages of nine and eighteen.[2] The Project also offers programming in playwriting, theatrical performance, and academic mentoring,[1] as well as facilitating youth engagement in intergenerational performance and scriptwriting.[3]

History

The 52nd Street Project was founded in 1981 by playwright Willie Reale, and evolved as a continuation of his work connecting youth with creative outlets while volunteering with Ensemble Studio Theater and the Police Athletic League.[4] Reale volunteered to teach an acting class that resulted in a culminating performance with his students.[4] The 52nd Street Project served as an ongoing opportunity to teach and work with students, and Reale led The 52nd Street Project until 1999.[4] In 1998, The 52nd Street Project was awarded the Coming Up Taller Award from the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.[5]

Theater

In 2010, the Project opened its own theater, Five Angels Theater, located at 789 Tenth Avenue, between West 52nd & 53rd Streets, The Five Angels Theater hosts theatrical work of local children; as well as, contemporary theater and dance performances.[6][7][8] The building which houses the Five Angels Theater, the Avalon Clinton, also hosts spaces for two other local theatrical organizations: The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York and MCC Theater.[9]

The Clubhouse

In 1996, The Clubhouse was established to provide a safe space for children after school and is part of The 52nd Street Project.[10] It provides a community space for kids to hangout, work on homework, and spend time together.[3]

Notable participants

References

  1. 1 2 Laskey, Margaux (2013-04-04). "Pros in Plays by Children". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  2. ↑ Sandberg-Zakian, Megan (2010). ""Arising from Sullen Earth": The 52nd Street Project's Transformative Teen Shakespeare Project". Teaching Artist Journal. 8 (3): 165–174. doi:10.1080/15411796.2010.486749. ISSN 1541-1796. S2CID 191490283.
  3. 1 2 Ingram, Julia (2022-02-28). "The 52nd Street Project Celebrates 40 Years of Putting Children's Creativity Center Stage". W42ST. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  4. 1 2 3 "Hall of Fame: The 52nd Street Project". Vanity Fair. 2009-02-17. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  5. ↑ "The 52nd State". TheaterMania.com. 2006-11-27. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  6. ↑ "Bobby Cannavale, Edie Falco and Frank Wood Showcase New Works By Young Playwrights Tonight". Playbill.com. December 11, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  7. ↑ Schaefer, Brian (2020-01-30). "5 Dance Performances to See in N.Y.C. This Weekend". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  8. ↑ "Dance Listings for Jan. 8-14". The New York Times. 2016-01-08. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  9. ↑ Paulson, Michael (2016-03-21). "MCC Theater to Kick Off Construction of Its New Home". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  10. 1 2 "About the 52nd Street Project". 52project.org. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
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