Culturally responsive and English as a New Language (ENL) training for Opening Act’s Teaching Artists and staff.

Opening Act provides theatre education to New York City youth in low-income, marginalized communities. Serving primarily youth of color, Opening Act offers a free year-long theatre program with a trauma-informed curriculum. Students practice improvisation, acting methods, and writing exercises in a safe and inclusive environment. The program culminates in a showcase of students’ original works in an Off-Broadway venue with an audience of community members. Opening Act staff noticed that their student demographic is changing, with an increasing number of youth participants who speak languages other than English. To retain the inclusive environment and better serve their changing participant pool, Opening Act will use this grant to provide training for staff to be more culturally responsive. Staff will attend Lincoln Center Theatre’s two-day training, “Learning English and Drama Project.”