I am a theatre artist, parent and former Preschool and Elementary School teacher. I have long been a fan of the work the New Vic does from a professional standpoint. Their shows are beautifully produced, adventurous, carefully curated to serve a wide audience and lots of fun. But now as a parent with a two year-old, I am especially glad to have them in my life. I took my son to his first play at the New Vic, and he was enchanted. There were even activities in the lobby to keep him interested while we waited for the show.
Recently I was invited to participate in workshops at the New Vic for people interested in creating theatre for children. They have been stimulating and inspirational. Long live the New Vic!
I am a Teaching Artist with the New Victory theater as well a many other organizations. I feel extreemly lucky to be a part of the New Victory family. There are very few other organizations that bring such quality theater to so many students. In addition to the wonderful classroom programs, the New Victory has many other opportunities to interface with our communities. This year the "bring your family to the theater" is in full effect. This program is working to get our young students to be the catalysts to bringing their entire family to the theater....incredible.
As a former Apprentice I would like to share how the New Vic has changed my life. I first came in contact with the New Victory Theater as a high school senior looking for an apprenticeship that would help me figure out where I fit in in the theater world. two vital factors in my experience as an apprentice were that this education program was in fact an apprenticeship and not an internship and that its theater programs are extremely intelligent while also being family friendly.
I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in theater but at the time I had not the slightest idea how or where to begin but the New Victory soon changed all that. Through the apprenticeship program I learned so much about theater and more importantly educational non profit theater. Over the course of 4 months I embarked on numerous projects that were as challenging as they were rewarding. As a Production and Ticket Services apprentice I developed skills that to this day have stayed with me, skills that have taught me professionalism, awareness and resourcefulness.
The New Victory is a non profit organization in a class of unbeatable distinction. Its dedication to providing the young people of New York with intelligent, though provoking theater has stood the test of time and continues to touch the lives of not only its audiences but also its team of dedicated employees who believe whole heartedly in its mission.
After my apprenticeship ended I went on to serve as a faithful employee of the New Victory while pursuing my college career. Throughout the course of this time my involvement with the New Vic inspired me to attend graduate school at New York University and pursue a life long career in Educational Theatre.
As a proud advocate of educational theater I am now living in Hong Kong, China and taking on new challenges each and every day, plugging the skills and courage that New Vic taught me, to make intelligent educational theater a reality. I am currently working as a dramatic english teaching (using theater and dramatic activities to teach my students english). As a side project I have been working towards developing an educational theater for young audiences program which has been challenging but all in all very rewarding.
I owe so much credit to the New Victory. This organization has helped me realize how important theater is and how even more important educational theater is to me. I am so grateful to the New Victory for setting me on this path that I now find myself. i truly believe that if it had not been for the New Victory I would not be where I am today. And to be perfectly honest I was not even aware that there was such a thing as educational theater until I found the New Victory and who is to say that I would ever have discovered it had it not been for the New Victory. I am so proud to be a past apprentice, past employee and everlasting fan of the New Vic and believe that it will continue to inspire and educate those of us whom love theater and believe in its undeniable power to change the world.
The New Victory Theater offers some of the best theater available in NYC - for children AND for their families. The truly international programming includes everything from circus to opera, from puppetry to dance. The workshops offered to students are of excellent quality.
My husband and I have long admired the mission of The New Victory Theater; their innovative programming, their educational outreach, and their vision to ensure that quality in the arts is present, front and center, on their stages. Three of their shows are on my top 25 theatrical experiences of all time. However, I had no idea how just how far reaching the New Victory's mission stretched until I was hired as one of the New Victory's sublime ensemble of Teaching Artists in the fall of 2006.
I have been a teaching artist for 18 years. My work has taken me to all five boroughs and to New Jersey. In the summer of 2006, I was thinking of how I might be able to formalize my teaching and find a like minded organization to work with. Happily I discovered the New Victory Theater. What an outstanding organization. As a teaching artist, I work closely with The Education Department which is comprised of some of the most talented individuals I have ever encountered. As artists and educators, they have inspired me, supported me, and challenged me to go deeper with my work as an artist and educator.
As an artist, I believe that exposure to and an understanding of the performing arts is a bridge to understanding our cultural similarities and our differences. Theater is such a powerful tool. As a teaching artist with the New Victory Theater, I have the opportunity to step into a classroom as an artist and plant some seeds. Helping students understand the art form that is theater, exposing them to big cultural themes really excites me. Most recently I facilitated some workshops around the production, Nearly Lear, a solo show and original adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear. Talk about big themes and ideas. The work in the classroom was astonishing-big questions being asked, engagement, bright eyes, laughter. It was thrilling to be a part of that process.
The New Victory affords me many different entry points due to the vast array of performing art forms represented in any given season: opera, musical theater, puppetry, dance, drama, circus, It is my hope that through teaching I can change the way my students not only perceive the world, but the way they perceive their place in the world. The New Victory Theater certainly gives me every opportunity to do just that. The New Victory Theater / The New 42 represents the vanguard of theater for young audiences and of arts in education.
I am very happy that I work for such an outstanding organization.
I first found about New Victory Theater as a high school sophomore looking for an internship (or similar hands on learning opportunities) in the field of dramatic arts.
I knew that I would eventually pursue a career in either theater or tv/film and being the passionate and driven 16 year old that I was, I was very eager to start learning more about these industries, right away.
However, figuring out where to take my first steps proved to be quite a challenge. I was too young to apply for most of the volunteer/internship opportunities that were available in these fields since the majority of them were only offered to college students. I had no friends or family members who knew anything about working in theater, tv, or film who would be able to mentor me and nurture my curiosity. And of course, there were hardly any educational opportunities offered at my high school related to the dramatic arts. The occasional acting class or tv production class that would be offered were impossible to sign up for as they were strictly limited to seniors with some sort of previous experience.
The high school apprenticeship program offered by New Victory was the perfect opportunity to come my way. Through the apprenticeship program I learned so much about theater especially through the various projects, opportunities, and meetings that were incorporated within the program. Also, I was given the chance to develop practical business skills while assisting part-time with the Member Services department as a Member Services apprentice.
New Victory is an organization dedicated to sharing the love of theater to young people. That dedication is evident not only in the wonderfully electic collections of shows that they continue curate and present to young theatergoers season after season. But, it's also quite evident in their efforts to nurture and mentor young people with interests in pursuing careers in the dramatic arts. These efforts are quite unique and deserve much praise and attention.
I'm still pretty young. I'm four years out of college and still working hard to build a successful career in the dramatic arts. However, I am happy report that I am currently (very fortunately) employed at a reputable television channel. Some of the credit is definitely owed to New Victory. This organization has helped me take the right first steps and because of those good first steps, several good doors were opened for me. I am grateful to New Victory and I hope it continues to nurture and inspire many more young people who not only love theater but have dreams of creating theater.
The New Victory Theater is an amazing educational experience for students. The plays they offer are entertaining and always age appropriate. The teaching artists who come into the classroom for pre-performance workshops are very talented and work great with the children. I have been working with the New Victory Theater for the past 10 years. I try to take my class to as many shows as possible. What would NYC be without this amazing TheaterCompany!
I am a teaching artist who works with the New Victory Theater and honestly it has been one of the best jobs I have ever had. It is such a wonderful feeling to have the opportunity to not only work with children, but also work collaboratively with such amazing artists. The New Victory staff is extremely supportive and as an artist I have grown personally and professionally since my time at the New Victory Theater. It truly is my home base and family.
For the past ten years our school has been a member of The New Victory Theater. We have had an excellent working relationship with the teaching artists, and the administrative staff. We are all thrilled about being given the opportunity to expose our students to such a wide variety of genres of entertainment. The fact that the performers come from all over the world makes it especially relevant in a diverse city like the one we live in. The workshops we have participated in, both teachers and in-school with students, have been relevant to the shows we have seen, and have given our students the confidence to explore the arts themselves. The in-school workshops are done in a way that makes the children feel special, and the teaching artists set a very supportive, comfortable tone.
The New Victory is an amazing non profit organization in so many ways. Not only does it enrich the community with its selection of wonderful and affordable shows, it brings theater into the school system which is so important these days with all the cutbacks. The children experience first class live theater for $2. and free of charge teaching artists work in the schools with the children. There are also family workshops where parents and children can be creative together things such as creative movement puppetry and circus skills. Another wonderful program they have is their usher program for teenagers. It is a three year program where they are treated with such respect and learn so many life skills, including work ethics and the arts. The New Victory Theater is the BEST!
I am a teacher at Banana Kelly High School in the South Bronx. We have been members of New Victory Ed program for four years and i have only words of awe and praise. Whether we watched the Mayhem Poets, Nevermore, Momentum, A Shakespeare Farce or a Life Size Puppet version of Macbeth, the performances are always OUTSTANDING...and my students look forward to everyone. I usually take between 60 to 80 seniors and they are in awe and amazement. The workshops that they offer to our students pre or post performance are also wonderful and my students are very motivated and inspired by the teaching artists. In addition, i have gone to numerous workshops that they offer for teachers, and these too are top caliber. Bravo! to and outstanding experience offered by the New Victory ...
We have been members of the New Vic for the past few seasons and have LOVED every show we have seen. The performaces are engaging, stimulating, fun and speak to children at their level. My 7yo son often asks "when is our next show at the New Victory." His favorites in recent years were Mayayuma, Flaming Idiots and The Man Who Planted Trees. It is so wonderful that the shows are affordable - and a great reason to become a member is to get discounts on tickets. We can't wait for The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy!
So many of us know about the incredible performances that are hosted by the New Victory theater each year. But the staff of New 42nd Street have also made far-reaching contributions to arts education in New York City through their usher program, educational programming in the schools, the teaching artists and workshops hosted at the New 42nd Street Studios, and so much more. In addition, the New Vic Council serves as an incredible incubator for continuing ideas to expand arts outreach. Bravo!
I was lucky enough to work for The New Victory Theater/New 42nd Street from 2005 to 2010. I miss working there SO much, and the only reason I left was because I moved away from NYC. During my time with The New Vic, I was continually amazed by the one-of-a-kind productions, impressed by the unparalleled educational programs, appreciative of the genuine kindness of those who work there, and inspired by the organization’s tireless commitment to its mission and die-hard respect for kids as thoughtful individuals that deserve much more than cheesy spoonfuls of sugar.
The programming at New Victory Theater is top-notch not only in New York but across the country and world as well. The entire staff works tirelessly every year to bring in absolutely amazing pieces of theater of all different genres from all around the world. Whether it’s a large-scale circus in the New Victory, an intimate play in the Duke, or a darling puppetry piece in the New 42 Studios, the productions are always sophisticated, boundary-pushing, exciting and thought-provoking for theatergoers of ANY AGE... and they are never, ever “kiddy” or “teachy.” The tickets come at a fraction of the cost of neighboring theater offerings, and when I think of productions like RAIN, LOOKINGGLASS ALICE, TRACES, HANSEL AND GRETEL (the list goes on and on!), it’s hard to believe the cost of seeing those shows at the New Victory was about the same as seeing a movie down the street!
The educational experience for school-kids who attend these shows (for $2 each!) is absolutely wonderful. The pre and post-show workshops and teacher resource guides masterfully connect the work onstage with the curriculum in the classroom. The Usher program is the best and perhaps only one of its kind. High school kids act as the front line and face of the theater and handle themselves with composure, friendliness and professionalism. They get the chance to experience the world of theater and all of its opportunities while also gaining valuable skills they can take with them in any career path they choose. There are also opportunities for college students, and I experienced firsthand how the New 42 Apprentice program is unlike other internships– instead of fetching coffee and making endless copies, the apprentices at the New 42nd Street function as true members of the staff and are treated as such.
For folks to understand what makes the New Victory so special, they need only attend a performance. They will be welcomed in with a smile, captivated by the work on stage, and warmed by the infectious giggles of the 4-year-olds – and 40-year-olds – beside them.
Intensive outreach to schools in the NYC area is a dimension of the New Victory that I would like to highlight. A corps of teaching artists fans out across the city each day to public schools, immersing lucky classes in mind-opening participatory lessons that multiply the experience when those students bus in to see a show the next week. Demand for the shows by schools is intense, with waiting lists despite the New Vic running several performances a day. The New Vic offers these shows to schools at a nominal ticket price -- a couple of bucks. With arts programs cut to the bone the students are clearly hungry for the fine productions, jumping in their seats with delight and plunging cognitively into the performances. So while the New Vic certainly is a great deal for their public to also see the array of global talent in children's theater, at a very good price, this is the tip of the iceberg for a brilliant institution increasing the dimensionality, aspirations and happiness of our next generation.
The New Victory has been the premiere presenter of performing arts for kids and families since 1995. As the first establishment to open on “The New 42nd Street”, the New Victory always has been and continues to be an innovator in the performing arts.
The magic ingredient to the New Vic’s success is its approach to young people. Whether they are audience members, interns or employees, they are not pandered to. The work onstage challenges them to explore what they think they know in all of the performing arts disciplines and opens new worlds for them to experience.
The young adults who participate in the Youth Corps Program (apprentices and ushers) are viewed as essential members of the organization. Apprentices are contributing members of the departments they work in and collaborate on many group projects that have a direct effect on the audience experience at the theater.
The ushers are, quite simply, the face of the organization. Whether they are showing families to their seats during public performances, corralling buses on 42nd Street during school time performances or working with kids at a pre-performance family workshop, the ushers provide the unique fuel that powers the organization.
For so many children in NYC, the New Vic was their introduction to the performing arts -- becoming a stepping stone to greater appreciation of, and participation in, the arts. Kudos!
I worked in the Education Department at The New Victory for 2 years and loved every minute of my time there. Like many former New Vic employees, moving out of the NYC area was the only reason that I left the company, and I still miss the people and the work every day.
With its amazing programming and education opportunities, The New Victory provides young people in the NYC-area with outstanding theatrical experiences and the ability to learn more about the world of theater by participating in the Youth Corp or Apprentice Program as a high school or college student. This is an organization that cares deeply about encouraging young people to reach their highest potential.
I will forever be a strong supporter of this organization and dream of a time where every major city in the country has a place like The New Vic to go to...a place where parents, teachers, theater enthusiasts and young people can come together to experience high-quality theater, learn, and feel like they are a part of a unique community.
I worked at The New Victory for 6 years and only grew more impressed with the organization, the audiences, and the staff as time went along. The only thing that got me to leave was a cross country move.
This is an organization that is truly living its mission.
The theatre for kids and families is high quality and inventive. Many of my favorite shows of all time are New Vic shows, regardless of the fact that I am not a kid and I do not have a family. They present companies that are some of the best in the world.
Their Education programs are amazing. I love knowing that New York City kids are seeing these shows for $2 a ticket. And that so many of them receive workshops to extend their theatrical experiences.
The ushers and apprentices are a vital part of the organization - and if you ask them (and I encourage you to talk with the ushers when you go to the show - they have lots of great opinions on theater and the world) thay will tell you flat out that they are proud to work for the New 42/New Victory Theatre and feel very much a part of the organization. They also receive job training and workshops to make sure that they 'graduate' from the workshops with lots of skills to get their next jobs.
The prices are completely reasonable for families and the physical building is very family and kid friendly. This organization actually LIKES kids.
This is a non-profit that is doing good work. And it is doing it at the absolute highest quality. It is recognized worldwide in the Theatre for Young Audiences realm as the best of the best.
I went to a performance of Flamenco dance at the New Victory about a year ago, which was an entrancing piece of world-class music and dance. It was exciting to see a mix of ages in the audience-- the performance was appropriate for school age kids, but in no way merely children's fare only. What a great resource to involve all of us in the performing arts!
My son is 3 years old and I have been incredibly impressed with the offerings for his age group put on at the New Victory Theater.
They offer concerts in their 499 seat venue by accomplished children's musicians, such as Dan Zanes, they also offer intimate programming in the Duke Studio space where the young audience members have activities and face to face interactions with puppets and storytellers.
The New 42nd Street/The New Victory Theater is not only a great organization for the families who attend their outstanding shows and workshops, but also for the young theater professionals that are lucky enough to be apprentices with the company. As a sophomore at NYU I was the Development and Studio Operations apprentice and I couldn't have had a better experience. I got to learn about areas of arts administration and theater organization that I had never known about before and have hands on experience that has become invaluable to me. Learning how a development department runs and operates helped me to further my career and have 3 subsequent internships in development at other non-profit theaters. The staff was friendly, funny, helpful and made every effort to teach me new things. I was thrilled to have been given so much responsibility as an apprentice and to have the opportunity to work with and/or observe almost every department. I learned so much during my time with The New Victory and am grateful for each and every moment I spent there.
We started going to The New Victory when it opened in 1995. What a treat it was, and still is, to see Broadway shows at prices that everyone can afford. And such diverse and interesting programming! I tell friends, acquaintances and even people on the street that they MUST get to The New Victory!
Every time I go to the see a show at The New Victory, it is a fantastic surprise! Each show is so unique and totally different from the last. I always thought the productions were geared towards just kids, but I have come to learn that there is a variety of productions for all ages throughout the season. I leave smiling after each one, even if it is touching or sad because I have just experienced an inspiring, vibrant work of art.
I knew the New Victory Theater was going to be a place I returned multiple times before I had even stepped foot in the doorway where I was greeted by some of the most courteous staff members in New York City. The cozy seating and stage setup certainly created a sense of importance for the audience members. I felt as though the performers on the stage were performing for me personally since I was not sitting amongst a crowd of thousands. The first show I saw at the New Victory Theater was Momentum, and upon purchasing the tickets I automatically purchased tickets to multiple upcoming shows which entitled me to a membership. I simply cannot wait to bring more people to experience this Times Square treasure.
The New Vic appeals to all ages with dynamic and thoughtful programming. Prices are exceptionally reasonable allowing anyone, no matter what income bracket, the opportunity to experience live theater. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and their education program is exceptional. This is the best there is in family entertainment.
New Victory presents some of the best theatre in New York City period. It just happens to be Children's Theatre. I am a theatre professional, but I am also the mother of a toddler and in both capacities my life has been greatly enriched by New Victory.
I first discovered the New Victory during an internship with a service organization for those involved with the performing arts for youth. The New Vic presents many of these great artists, and after I graduated from college, I was lucky enough to land my first job at this truly spectacular organization. I spent two years working amongst a talented and dedicated staff, all of whom work toward a common goal of presenting sophisticated theater for even the youngest audiences.
Many of the productions I have seen at the New Victory have been some of the best I have seen in New York City. My experiences at the New Vic illustrated the importance of the arts both in education and our lives in general. The New Victory's programs reach beyond those who attend the performances - the Usher Corps is an incredibly well-structured training program, and a New Vic experience is made even better by the energy of the young ushers at each performance.
While many young arts professionals quickly become disillusioned with the work, I had precisely the opposite reaction. I have gone on to graduate school in the field, but I continue to attend performances regularly. Because the New Vic presents such a wide array of productions, each time I walk into the theater, I know that I am about to encounter something exciting and entirely different from what I last saw there.
The New Victory/New 42nd Street is a groundbreaking organization. Not only have they been trailblazers in making quality contemporary theater programming for families, but they also have a commitment to artists. The creation of the New 42nd Studios provides an amazing asset to the community of choreographers, dancers, and theater makers creating in the city. As well they participate in NYSCA sponsored programs to make space rental affordable for small and medium sized companies.
I also think they have an amazing youth training program. I have met some of their graduates working in other theaters and they remain professional and surprise me with their combination of youth and commitment. They definitely stand out among their peers.
I have worked in and visited theaters around the country and around the world. In almost every case, theater designated for young audiences has been simple and colorful—as if those are the only qualities young people will appreciate. It is an entirely different story at The New Victory. Shows are full of invention. They challenge young audiences in the same way that we ask theater in every other sector to challenge adults. This means that The New Victory is not simply entertaining young people. As an organization, it is building and educating intelligent demanding audiences for the theater to come. This is an extraordinary mission—one that respects the art form and its audience. I am a huge fan.
The New Victory can't be beat for affordable and quality performing arts for kids and families in the tri-state area. Every production I've seen at the New Vic has been top-notch in production value and completely engaging to the audience. The most special thing is how carefully they create their season to provide a very diverse mix of shows. Some fun, some thought-provoking, but always great! I don't live in NYC anymore, so I don't get in to visit as often. It's one of the things I miss most about NYC.
As a student of educational theatre at New York University, I was in awe of The New Victory. I saw several performances there with friends and peers and truly fell in love. After taking a course with then New Vic Director of Education, Dr. Edie Demas, I was encouraged to apply for a summer apprenticeship in the education department .
I had a FANTASTIC summer as an apprentice! Although there are no shows over the summer, the education department continues to work around the clock. We spent a great deal of time planning for the upcoming season, and I even had the opportunity to assist in the development of two School Tools (study guides). The department also held several professional development sessions that I was able to assist with and participate in. I left that summer with an idea of what I wanted to do after graduation. I also left with a network of amazing artists, educators, and administrators.
My career started a bit sooner than expected. When a part-time position in the education department opened up, I jumped at the opportunity! I assisted with the New Vic Family Workshops, an amazing program that provides families with a place to learn and experiment with skills related to what is playing on the New Vic stage. I continued to work on this program and the New Vic Studio Weeks for two more years.
If I had to pick one thing about The New Victory that I miss the most, it is the feeling of walking into an education performance. The theater is buzzing with busy staff and ushers, children are rushing into their seats thrilled by the thought of seeing something live, and the stage is brightened by the incredible performances of international artists.
I love the New Vic and eagerly look forward to each return I make to the theater where I know I'll see something completely inventive and exciting.
I have been attending shows at The New Victory Theater for several years now. The staff is helpful and courteous. All of the shows have been enjoyable and it’s always fun to see how the kids in the audience react. The fact that 90 minute shows can hold the attention of those as young as three is a testament to the material that is chosen each season. “Nevermore” from this season is one of my favorite shows of all time and I attend a lot of theater.
Working in the area, I never fail to smile when I see the school buses dropping kids off at The New Vic. The Education Program is growing each year. It really is a wonderful, affordable place to introduce children of all ages to the theater and each season has a good variety, so there really is something for everyone.
I was reminded how spectacular the New Victory Theater is and why I’m so devoted to it —this past Saturday I took our boys to a Tony Award winning Broadway show for which I paid $116 per ticket. While it was entertaining, I have found performances at the New Vic have been as good and many far better than what can be found for families at the for-profit theaters. The New Vic, year-in and year-out, seeks out sophisticated, thought-provoking productions that are as artistically rich as they are entertaining. Most noteworthy is the contrast in ticket prices. New Victory tickets now cost an average of $18, with seats available for as little as $8.75. In other words, for the price of one for-profit ticket you could take a family of five to a New Vic performance and get a couple of snacks! ASTOUNDING, right? The New Vic is made for kids and their families. Every seat has a good view, the bathrooms have step stools to reach adult size sinks, there are child-friendly snacks, open spaces to play during intermission, and best of all friendly (well paid) high-school age ushers who are happy to answer questions or grab you another booster cushion, and make sure no kids leave the theater without their adult. Mostly, why I LOVE the New Vic, is something most people don’t even know about and that is the New Vic Education Programs. These outreach programs have to date worked with over 300,000 New York City Pre-K to 12th Grade public school students providing teaching artists and teaching materials to cultivate an understanding and appreciation for all the performing the arts, and possibly inspire some to pursue their own artistic dreams. For many students, the New Vic is their first time experiencing any live performance. One of our newest programs, enables kids who’ve come to the New Vic with their school to bring their entire family back to the theater. The child comes for free and each family member for $5 per person. Thereby, enabling the parents to see the value of the arts and arts education in their children’s lives. (Learn more online because there is too much to write about.) www.newvictory.org Lastly, I would mention an incredibly devoted staff, which fundamentally understands that EVERY child’s mind is not a container to fill with facts and testing information, but a creative, imaginative fire to be sparked.