At TDF, we believe attending theatre and dance is a birthright for every New Yorker. But far too often, young people growing up in the five boroughs are unable to experience the magic, feeling unwelcome at venues mere miles from their homes. TDF is here to say: it’s for all of us.
Every year we bring more than 11,000 students from across the city to see theatre and dance through TDF’s School Programs. For many, this is their first time every setting foot in a theatre. It is not just about providing free tickets to a Broadway show, it’s about creating a meaningful experience that will stay with our students long after the curtain falls.
Through TDF School Programs, students find their voice, develop a sense of self and increase their desire to learn, not only about the theatre, but about life itself.
And we do it all at no cost to our students, teachers or schools.
Help TDF bring the power of live performance to the next generation today.
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For over two decades, TDF's Introduction to Theatre and Dance program has provided nearly 100,000 middle, high school and college students with a meaningful welcome to live performance. We connect 11,000 students annually in 150 schools throughout the tristate area to workshops, artists and live performance.
The Wendy Wasserstein Project
In 1998 Wendy Wasserstein and TDF wanted to see if theatre was relevant to young people. We took eight high school students to see six shows in a season and afterwards had pizza and talked. Today that experiment has blossomed into 24 mentorships. Top theatre professionals share their time and expertise with students throughout the five boroughs.
TDF's Young Playwrights Summer Program is a free two-week playwriting intensive open to tri-state area high school students. Students explore personal expression in writing, and the art and form of dramatic writing. Students work individually and in teams, with a final presentation on the last day.
Every spring, TDF offers free TDF Memberships to all graduating seniors from New York City's public and charter high schools to help build the next generation of theatregoers.
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