Join The New York Public Library and Urban Stages for summer performing arts workshops!

Welcome to Playback Theater, a form of community theater where participants share their personal stories related to a chosen theme, while other participants perform these stories in a stylized manner as a heartfelt gift to the storytellers. We will learn about this therapeutic art form, then give it a try, growing with different activities around the potential theme of “migration”. The session will focus on process, play, and holding space for each other. No theater experience necessary!

Space is limited | Registration is recommended but not required. Register at this link with your email address. Walkups will be permitted as space accommodates.

Class Format: Hands-on

Skill prerequisites: No prior experience required. This program is perfect for all skill levels.

Audience: Adults, 18+

Learn more about our Summer Performing Arts Program Presenters:

Urban Stages champions new theatrical works and artists of diverse backgrounds, while making art and theater available to all. They first emerged in 1984 as Playwrights Preview Productions, founded by current Artistic Director Frances Hill. Our theater focused on giving playwrights resources to develop and produce new works. Over the years, we have evolved to also address socioeconomic and geographic limitations that prevent many from engaging with art and theater. Today, Urban Stages is a name that represents exciting new theater and increased access to the arts. Learn more at the website.

NEW YORK CITY CENTER has played a defining role in the cultural life of the city since 1943. The distinctive Neo-Moorish building was founded by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia as Manhattan’s first performing arts center with the mission of making the best in theater, dance, and music accessible to all audiences. This commitment continues today through celebrated dance and musical theater series like the Fall for Dance Festival and the Tony-honored Encores! series; the annual season by Principal Dance Company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; and artist-curated Artists at the Center series. City Center’s dynamic programming, art exhibitions, and studio events are complemented by education and community engagement programs that bring the performing arts to thousands of New York City students, teachers, and families every year, in all five boroughs. Learn more at the website.

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm EDT

Free!

Registration