TALKING DRUM Theatre Arts Program
The TALKING DRUM Theatre Arts Program is a not-profit, arts education program where children are taught conflict resolution strategies thru the modality of theater, dance,media arts, music, and spoken word/poetry. Programs are created to service inner-city youth 5-18 years of age within the five boroughs of New York City. This year-round enrichment aims to address pervasive issues common to today's youth, including bullying, self-esteem, cultural awareness/appreciation, and the impact of divorce, and all workshops close with a student-led, scripted performance highlighting specified themes. Direct instructional services are provided to students, with professional development training series offered to professionals and parents through contracts with the Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Administration for Children Services, in addition to specific after-school programs, community-based organizations, and school officials. TALKING DRUM teaching artists develop client-specific planning guides with program coordinators, teachers, counselors, and additional staff, allowing for a customized program that is age, grade, and development appropriate. Services provided are tailored to specific program goals and budgets and are led by leaders in the field of creative arts therapy, special education, and psychology. The program’s mission is twofold: **To provide an educational and enriching platform for young individuals to express themselves through creative arts, which includes dance, drama, art, music, & spoken word. **To provide children with the tools of empowerment so they may achieve their full potential.
