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]
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]
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]
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]