I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits! It gives me immense pleasure to write to you and extend my warmest greetings as the new Executive Director of New York City Children’s Theater.
First, let me say how thrilled I am to be in the company of such stellar professional staff, Board, and teaching artists, who are so passionate about theater and theater education. Every day I learn how our teaching artists have helped young children open their hearts, conquer their fears, and empower their own creativity.
For over 26 years, we have been the one and only children’s theater company dedicated to solely creating original work for children in New York City. We are so proud that our locally and nationally recognized Broadway-quality productions have served over 400,000 children and adults across all five boroughs and the tri-state area. By providing free and subsidized tickets for our shows to over 110,000 students, we have significantly increased arts accessibility for underserved children in our city. On top of that, our educational programs serve thousands of children each year in homeless shelters and schools across NYC.
We are kicking off this Spring with an exciting new production, Fish in A Tree, which opens this Saturday, March 18, and runs through April 9. Adapted by Barbara Zinn Krieger from the best-selling novel by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, this new play with music for young audiences uses live video technology, dance, and music to explore a young girl named Ally’s journey with dyslexia. Fish in a Tree celebrates neurodiversity, friendship, and the power of imagination, and explores the harm bullying causes and the life changing potential of a generous teacher. We don’t just tell stories; we tell stories with a purpose.
On April 24, 2023, we are hosting our Annual Gala at the elegant Edison Ballroom in the heart of Broadway Theater District. I’m so excited for my first gala, where there will be a special appearance by Academy Award winner Cameron Crowe and performances by Tony Award nominees Kenita R. Miller and Anika Larsen. We are not just a children’s theater – we are a theater company with a mission to support our future by giving them the greatest gift, creativity. I hope you will join me to celebrate our amazing accomplishments and the hearts of gold in our community. Hearts like yours.
I look forward to seeing you at one of these events and many more to come. It is an exciting year for me and NYCCT. I can’t wait to share it with you.
– Cathy Hung, Executive Director