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TADA! is considered by many to be the preeminent children's musical theater organization in the US.

TADA! Youth Theater was founded in 1984, and today the Drama Desk Award winning ensemble reaches over 50,000 New Yorkers annually through its main-stage musical productions, arts education outreach efforts, and youth development programs.  The organization provides opportunities to children throughout the five boroughs, in public and private schools, all year round.

 

The group's home houses a main stage plus full rehearsal and technical facilities, and the organization's offices.  In addition to mounting their own original productions each season they make their catalog of shows available to other youth theater groups around the country. 

 

Graduates of the program have gone on to professional careers on Broadway; in network television; the recording arts; in film, dance, and opera; and even as arts professionals working at the home office of TADA! 

 

Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have been touched by the group's efforts, and testimonials such as Jordan Alston-Harmon's are echoed by other graduates, such as actress Mizuo Peck, who appears as Sacajawea in the "Night at the Museum" film series, who writes, "Tada! Instilled in us so many different and great characteristics, like discipline and punctuality and taking things seriously."

 

TADA!'s arts education programs were established to integrate the arts into core school curriculum through imparting the basic skills of theater, and to build creative thinking and self-esteem in youth of all ages. In the 2012-2013 school year, 142 residencies took place at more than 35 public and private schools and community centers.

 

Visit the TADA! website at www.tadatheater.com

  








Heart & Soul Supports Youth Development Programs

  

 

I've learned to be creative and confident 

 

                       Jordan Alston-Harmon

 
Jordan
Jordan Alston-Harmon, TADA! Principal Ensemble Member
 

I've always loved theatre and wanted to act since I was three.  When I started fifth grade, my mom was looking for a place where I could learn about theatre and acting and where I could perform.  I had done a few small productions at school, but I wanted something on a bigger scale. There were no other options like TADA! available to me and I am so happy that I auditioned. I did a lot of the mainstage productions, which were a lot of fun and exactly the kind of big performance opportunity I wanted. I also got to take classes and workshops, see professional productions, and perform all over the city at outside events. Best of all, this was free of charge to me and my family. We live in New Jersey, so commuting into New York City every day was sometimes overwhelming. Once I became a Principal Ensemble Member, I qualified for transportation subsidies that covered my traveling cost, meaning I could get even more involved.  

 

During my last year, I participated in TADA!'s Job Readiness Apprenticeship Program, or Job RAP, which allowed me to work behind-the-scenes in TADA!'s administrative office as a marketing intern. I learned a lot about what it takes to run a non-profit organization, learned job skills that will help me in the future, got a great credit for my resume, and made some extra money! I learned a tremendous amount in my time in the office, especially the importance of creativity in a lot of different environments, not just on stage.  I've learned to be just as creative and confident making a phone call in an office, or in the classroom at school.

 

For my college applications, it was great to list TADA! as an extracurricular activity. TADA! even provided mentoring throughout the college application process as well as letters of recommendations for college and scholarships.

 

I will be attending Northwestern University in the fall, where I plan to study both Theatre and Political Science.  I was selected as a Ron Brown Scholar and also received the National Achievement Scholarship. I also have the honor of being on the top debate team and ranking as the best speaker in the Bergen County Debate League for the past two years. My strength in public speaking, which has allowed me to excel at debate, was improved by TADA! because I learned to have a presence on stage.

  

Wherever I go from here, I know I want to find ways to serve the community and I would love it if I could do so through the arts. TADA! has helped me so much to achieve my aspirations, and made a difference in so many people's lives. I hope I can make a such a positive difference as well. 

   

Hello from the President of the Heart & Soul Charitable Fund
 
Save The Date - October 25, 2013!

 

We are excited to announce that 2014 marks the 25th Anniversary of Heart & Soul!  We are so thankful for our donors who have supported our New York Community Outreach Programs for all these years, giving generously to help those in need.

 

Throughout this auspicious year, we will celebrate two of our longest running All Souls programs - the Monday Night Hospitality and Friday Soup Kitchen Meal Programs. Each of these programs has grown from 50 - 75 guests to over 300 at each meal, thanks to the dedication and leadership of their Program Directors/Coordinators as well as the many volunteers who set-up, cook, serve, socialize with the guests, and clean-up, every Friday and Monday throughout the year. 

 

On Friday evening October 25th, we invite you to join us for our kickoff event - a Wine Tasting Party honoring our Meal Programs, and featuring some of the other groups we support like Youth Services (Navigators USA, Girl Scout Troops in East Harlem) and Neighborhood Programs (Musica Viva, Search and Care).  You can purchase tickets or make a donation to Heart & Soul by clicking on the link to the left.  

 

Stay tuned as plans unfold for the 25th Anniversary Auction at Christie's in February, 2014.  We sincerely thank you for your support.  Your efforts are needed and appreciated.  

 

 

Sincerely,

Bill Bechman, President
Heart & Soul Charitable Fund
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