PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
DATE: April 18, 2008
CONTACT: Lynne Hoppe, 212.221.7300 ext. 129, lhoppe@actorsfund.org
ACTORS FUND TO SPONSOR INFORMATION SESSION ABOUT TWO NEW GRADUATE DEGREES FOR THE NEW YORK THEATER COMMUNITY
Open House May 6th in NYC
(New York, NY) – Information about two new CUNY graduate program designed to prepare theatre professionals for careers in teaching, community change and social justice will be offered at a free informational seminar on Tuesday, May 6, from 4 – 6 pm. The event, which is being sponsored by The Actors Fund, will be held at the Creative Art Team offices located on the 6th floor at101 West 31st Street.
Participants can register via email to Kathy Schrier (kschrier@actorsfund.org) at The Actors Fund.
The two new programs offer a Masters in Educational Theatre and an MA in Applied Theatre. The Masters in Educational Theatre is offered by City College, where graduates will receive both an MS degree and the requirements needed to receive a New York City K-12 teaching certificate. The MA in Applied Theatre is sponsored by the Creative Art Team (CAT) and the CUNY School of Professional Studies. This degree prepares students to utilize theater to build communities and address societal issues in a wide range of settings. It provides a thorough training for aspiring theatre teaching artists and community facilitators, including apprenticeships with CAT’s professional outreach programs.
Selected classes from the M. A. in Applied Theatre will be available to Educational Theatre students and conversely, students wanting teacher certification could progress from Applied Theatre to the Educational Theatre program.
“We are pleased that CUNY has recognized the importance of the arts to the health of society and has created these two unique degree programs. Our clientele seeks new venues to implement their creativity and contribute to the community. We are happy to be the organization to introduce the programs to the New York City theater community,” said Kathy Schrier of The Actors Work Program at The Actors Fund.
The Actors Work Program assists entertainment industry professionals in identifying and finding parallel and new careers that utilize the creative skills and talents of those in entertainment. Many of the program’s participants have gone on to rewarding teaching careers and careers related to community change and social justice.
The Actors Fund is a human services organization that helps everyone - performers and those behind the scenes –who works in performing arts and entertainment, and serves over 9,000 people annually. Programs include social services, emergency financial assistance, a free health clinic, insurance resources, housing, employment and training and an assisted living and skilled nursing facility. Visit www.actorsfund.org for more information.
