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American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc.

Fact Sheet

American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. (TAFY) is the non-profit production company founded in 1970 by Laurie Wagman to present children of all ages with the finest in professional, curriculum related theater. Today, American T AFY provides the nation's largest, most influential vehicle for successfully integrating the theatrical experience into formal classroom instruction, thereby serving students' cultural needs and furthering teachers' curricular goals.

"American TAFY recognizes that theater is an important educational medium", says Laurie Wagman. "Theater is a superb teaching tool, an extension of language development that brings to life literature, history and current events." Another principle underlying the American TAFY organization is the belief that theater touches the senses at many levels. Thus, through the various components of theater - such as the manipulation of language, lights, space, time and emotion - young people are enriched and broadened.

Study Guides are prepared for every production. The Study Guide includes a synopsis of the show and detailed suggestions for classroom instruction, projects and discussion.

A policy of modest ticket prices makes American T AFY' s programs available to the broadest possible audiences in over 400 cities throughout the country.

American T AFY, under the auspices of Laurie Wagman, has commissioned and . produced on stage 42 original musicals. This remarkable record is unparalleled in the nation. The American T AFY production schedule includes a series of Portraits in American History ("Ben Franklin", "Thomas Jefferson", etc.), a series that explores the experience of growing up in an urban environment ("Pied Piper of Harlem", "Black Journey", etc.) as well as adaptations of favorite classics ("Huck Finn", "Oliver Twist", "Cinderella", etc.)

American Theater Arts for more information call (215) 574-0981 Page two of two

Content:

AT A's musical production series includes:

Educational Support:

Related Programs:

Important Notes:

• Portraits in American History (Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Ellis Island)

• An exploration of cross-cultural experiences (Black Journey, Pied Piper of Harlem, Anne Frank ... A Voice Heard)

• Favorite classics (A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Huck Finn, Oliver Twist, Pippi Longstocking)

Study Guides for each production include:

• A synopsis of the show • Suggestions for classroom instruction • Project ideas • Discussion topics for the students

Arts in Education: creates workshops and residencies with school districts nationwide to link theater arts to educational, cultural and community programs Reach For The Stars: provides free theater access for children with special needs, such as physically and mentally disabled, abused or neglected children American Family Theater: Arm of ATA that tours Broadway for Kids for people of all ages. Tours reach every corner of the U.S.

• The New York Times (3/3/98) reported that Broadway has doubled its under-18 audience.

• The New York Times (5/31 /98) reported that "performing arts centers' survival depends on touring musicals," and that "the-touring show has surpassed New York productions in economic impact in the last five years."

• After an AT A performance in California, the local promoter remarked: "The 2,300 kids attending the Civic Arts Theater here in Thousand Oaks responded to AT A's Beauty and the Beast with lots more enthusiasm than the audience at the Rolling Stones concert earlier this week."

-30-

:

American Theater Arts For Youth, Inc.

Fact Sheet

Concept: American Theater Arts For Youth, Inc. (TAFY) is a non-profit production company integrateing the professional musical' experience with formal classroom instruction for school age children. TAFY uses theater as a unique teaching tool to promote language development, literature, history, culture and current events. The productions utilize the skills, talent and creativity of professional directors, designers and actors who understand the excitement, the magic and the learning experience inherent in live perfonnance.

Location: 1429 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone: (215) 563-3501

Fax: (215) 563-1588

Chairman/Founder: Laurie Wagman

Production Facts:

Content:

• TAFY is the nation's leading children's theater company

• Founded In 1971 • TAFY productions have been touring for 28 seasons • TAPf has produced 44 original musical productions • T AFY's Broadway For Kids musicals tour over 500 cities

annually • Over 1.6 million children attend TAFY shows each year • TAFY performs for sold out houses at venues such as

Philadelphia's Academy of Music, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and New Yor1<'s Carnegie Hall

• TAFY employs over 300 actors and technical personnel

each year • Each year TAFY mounts 24 tours that travel to all

comers of the U.S.

TAFY's musical production series includes:

• continued •

llerican Theater Arts For Youth Inc. x more information call (215) 735-7110

page two of two


• An exploration of cross-cultural experiences (Black Journey, Pied Piper of Harlem, Anne Frank ... A Voice Heard)

• Favorite classics (A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Huck Finn, Oliver Twist, , Pippi Longstocking)

Educational Support: Study Guides for each production Include:

• A synopsis of the· show • Suggestions for classroom instruction • Project ideas

• Discussion topics for the students

Related Programs: Arts in ·Education: creates workshops and residencies with school districts nationwide to link theater arts to educational, cultural and community programs Reach For The Stars: provides free theater

Important Notes:

access for. children with special needs, such as physically and mentally disabled, abused and neglected children

• The New York Times {3/3/98) reported that Broadway has doubled Its under-18 audience.

• The New York Times (5/31198) reported that "performing arts centers' survival depends on touring musicals," and that "the touring show has surpassed New York productions In economic Impact In the last five years.''

• After a T AFY performance in California, the local promoter remarked: •The 2300 kids attending the Civic Arts Theater here in Thousand Oaks responded to TAFY's Beauty and the Beast with lots more enthusiasm than the audience at the Rolling Stones concert earlier this week."

TAFYQUOTES

"Everyone here is so delighted with your performances of Pinocchio. We wish we had scheduled more because they all sold out completely. Thanks!"

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Tina Wellington, Convention Center Virginia Beach

"I want to express our gratitude to TAFY for your unique and wonderful contribution to our events. Your excellent productions did much to make our public programs a great success. The shows were greatly enjoyed by thousands of tourists as well as our regular audience. For many of our audience your Broadway for Kids® series provided a wonderful first time live theater experience. Certainly the impact of your productions will be felt in our future program planning. I greatly look forward to working with you on many new theatrical projects."

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Karen Love, Penn's Landing Philadelphia, P A

"Everyone enjoyed your Beauty and the Beast production. The children were enthralled and enchanted by the costumes, the scenery, the singing and the dancing! The cast was great and so easy to work with as well as extremely flexible and accommodating. I was very happy to have them here. They are welcome back anytime! It was a fun, entertaining afternoon for everyone and we all thank you for the great showP'

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Betsy Kohn, Mayfield JCC Cleveland, OH

"Thank you for a wonderful production! Wizard of Oz was exciting. Every detail was perfect and the sets were colorful renderings of what everyone expected to see. The costumes and special effects dazzled all ofthe audience. TAFY shows make the rest pale by comparison."

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Jean Lijoi, Paramount Theatre Middletown, NY

"Pippi was terrific! It was a sell-out crowd and a good time wad bad by all! The sets were colorful and imaginative and the children were mesmerized by the set changes. The performance was top-notch - the singing and choreography were fabulous. The set-up went smoothly and the troupe was extremely talented. Pippi is a hit! I will be in touch with you to discuss future plans.''

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Carol Nager, JCC Harrisburg, P A

"Thank you very much for bringing Sleeping Beauty to the Kamloops Riverside Coliseum. Let's do more events in the season ahead. Your production was magical; a great family evening. Most of all, it was a great way to introduce audiences of all ages to the concept of live entertainment.,

David J. Susak, Kamloops Riverside Coliseum Kamloops, BC

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"Your production was wonderfully received. Beauty and the Beast saw a capacity audience. Of course, that was in addition to the over 2,000 students who saw it in the afternoon. Your company's ability to hold the attention of that many young children is a testament to your organization and it's professionalism. We have seen a new enthusiasm regarding our organization as a whole based on this event. The reputation of your company is not only a big plus in securing an audience but also in securing a technical staff. Your technical production team under the direction of an excellent stage manager was superb. From booking, to contracts, to final curtain, your company is indeed a pleasure to work with. I eagerly look forward to future projects."

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Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council Hays,KS

"Once, again thank you for providing the John Harms Theater with such outstanding children's performances. The cast and crew have been wonderful to work with and the audiences have nothing but rave reviews for the many sold-out performances. We look forward to working with such a terrific group again next season. What else can I say? Wind in the Willows was fantastic! Thanks so much for everything."

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Allison Perrine, John Harms Theater Englewood, NJ

"Robin Hood & Pinocchio drew our biggest crowds ever. .. excellent productions!"

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Kim Stanfield, Music Hall Detroit, MI

"What a great experience TAFY's Babes in Toyland was! The performance was full of energy and professionalism. The actors met the audience after each show; everyone left the theater with a smile! T-hank you for bringing in this fine performance. I have enjoyed working with you and look forward to Tom Sawyer in March."

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Laura Reisinger, Tainter Theater Menomonie, WI

"Due to the strong initial sale of tickets, there were no ads placed, or commercial spots run. Our show was sold out weeks in advance of the performance date. The response of the audience was fantastic. When the actors came out to greet the audience aftetwards, it completed the success. It was a pleasure working with you and the Wizard of Oz troupe members. Thank you."

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Sam Vallicelli, Shyrock Auditorium Carbondale, IL

.. Congratulations! TAFY's production of Beauty and the Beast sold out Knott's Berry Farm's Good Time Theater in Buena Park. Almost 2100 seats were filled and there were still 1200 waiting to get in. During the show, the response of the kids was so ovetwhelming, you might have thought the Beatles were on stage! Thanks for a great season!"

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Joel Brandes, Community Entertainment Thousand Oaks, CA

"Our sponsor was absolutely ecstatic about your Wizard of Oz. We appreciate the cast's patience in taking photos, signing autographs etc. Following the two excellent morning performance, and the evening show, they all were truly gracious to join us with such enthusiasm."

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Dotty Weston-Murphy, Shubert Theater New Haven, CT

"Our audience enjoyed this exciting children's production. The children screamed with delight at the Emperor's New Clothes. The cast and crew shared their time and talents with very large smiles on their faces. It was a sincere pleasure to work with a company that displayed so much professionalism. Once again, your high standards are consistent."

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Mel Stevens, Alliance for the Arts Douglas, GA

"On behalf of everyone here, thank you to everyone at T AFY for the performances in Pueblo. Babes in Toyland was a great success and entertained over 2200 people in the Arts Center Theater. Each show was as enjoyable to watch as the first. Children and adults had a terrific time. Thank you for making the day a great success!"

Tracey Tucker, Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Pueblo, CO

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"Tom Sawyer was a great show, and everyone was delighted. The three TAFY performances exposed 3000 young people and their parents to our facility. We thoroughly enjoy working with TAFY and want to continue our partnership. When are you bringing Aladdin here? You always present high quality performances that everyone enjoys. I am looking forward to seeing the offerings for 1998-99 soon."

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Alice Ann Gentry, The Arts Council Huntsville, AL

"Hats off to T AFY for great performances of Beauty and the Beast. We sold out all shows and turned people away. The acting and singing were super; the crew and cast were terrifically talented. I look forward to working with T AFY in the future."

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Nancy Osborne, Monroe County College Monroe, MI

"How impressed everyone on staff was with the quality of Dinosaur Mountain! Everything from the sets and music to the acting was first rate! Having your actors meet the students as they exited was a particularly terrific touch. Call me as soon as possible about your presentations for next year."

Jim Roget, Lisner Auditorium@ George Washington University Washington, DC

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"Christmas Carol was excellent. .. sets, costume, special effects and orchestrations were exceptional. TAFY's shows are of the highest quality!"

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Dellllis Madden, F.M. Kirby Center Willkes Barre, P A

"Our sold out audiences loved the antics ofPippi Longstocking and our theater is warmed by TAFY's delightful performances. On behalf of our organization and our audiences, I want to express our great delight with our T AFY series. We were pleased to applaud Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pip pi and the Wizard of Oz. Each road company was great to work wit.}). Our tech staff greatly appreciated the professionalism of TAFY's cast and crew. The costumes and sets were top quality and we especially liked the music arrangements and the original choreography. We are pleased to have five T AFY shows scheduled for next season and know that our audiences will appreciated the return of top notch theatre for young people. I'm looking forward to any new projects T AFY has in the works for the future."

Marsha Watson, Union County Arts Center Rahway, NJ

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American TAFY's Arts in Education Program has created a unique partnership with school districts nationwide. These partnerships are designed to help integrate the theater arts into classrooms by:

• Providing experiences for students and teachers to understand the creative and historical process of the theater arts

• Linking the theater arts to all curriculum areas

• Developing creative links between the resources of the cultural community and the schools

• Providing opportunities for professional development of educators by contributing to the development of comprehensive arts education programs in schools

• Encouraging individual creativity and thinking skills by personal contact and direct work experiences with practicing artists

American TAFY's productions reflect an award winning, critically acclaimed commitment to presentations that involve the professional skills, talent and creativity of outstanding directors, designers and actors who understand the learning experience inherent in live perfonnance.

"Because theater engages the mind and the senses at so many levels," notes Mrs. Wagman, "it's importance as a teaching tool is universally welcomed and used by educators in all disciplines and at all grade levels."

American TAFY's productions have been praised by educators and the press as a delightful experience for all ages. "Again and again, American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. proves how strong it is in creating original contemporary theater," wrote Leslie Bennett in the New York Times. "Their engaging productions command the attention of young audiences and the spirit is contagious."

Last year American T AFY, which has been selected as the resident company serving youth audiences at Philadelphia's new Regional Performing Arts Center, attracted more than 1.6 million youngsters to their theater presentations around the country. Critics' Choice magazine called the company "a national cultural adventure."

2

Laurie Wagman: American Theater Arts for Youth, INC.

Fact Sheet

American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. (T AFY) is the non-profit production company founded in 1970 by Laurie Wagman to present children of all ages with the finest in professional, curriculum related theater. Today, T AFY provides the nation's largest, most influential vehicle for successfully integrating the theatrical experience into formal classroom instruction, thereby serving students' cultural needs and furthering teachers' curricular goals.

"American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. recognizes that theater is an important educational medium", says Laurie Wagman, T AFY' s Founder/President. "Theater is a superb teaching tool, and extension of language development that brings to life literature, history and current events". Another principle underlying the T AFY organization is the belief that theater touches the senses at many levels. Thus, through the various components of theater - such as the manipulation of language, lights, space, time and emotion - young people are enriched and broadened.


A policy of modest ticket prices makes TAFY's programs available to the broadest possible audiences in over 400 cities throughout the country.

American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc., under the auspices of Laurie Wagman, has commissioned and produced on stage 42 original musicals. This remarkable record is unparalleled in the nation. The T AFY production schedule includes a series of Portraits in American History ("Ben Franklin", "Thomas Jefferson", etc.), a series that explores the experience of growing up in an urban environment ("Pied Piper of Harlem", "Black Journey", etc.) as well as adaptations of favorite classics ("Huck Finn", "Oliver Twist", "Cinderella", etc.)

T AFY'S Arts in Education Program has created a unique partnership with school districts nationwide. These partnerships are designed to help integrate the theater arts into classroom by:






T AFY's productions reflect an award-winning, critically acclaimed commitment to presentations that involve the professional skills, talent and creativity of outstanding directors, designers and actors who understand the learning experience inherent in live performance.

"Because theater engages the mind and the senses at so many levels", notes Mrs. Wagman, "it's importance as a teaching tool is universally welcomed and used by educators in all disciplines and at all grade levels".

T AFY's productions have been praised by educators and the press as a delightful experience for all ages. "Again and again, American Theater Arts for Youth, INC. proves how strong it is in creating original contemporary theater." wrote Leslie Bennett in the New York Times. "Their engaging productions command the attention of young audiences and the spirit is contagious."

Last year T AFY, which has been selected as the resident company serving youth audiences at Philadelphia's new Regional Performing Arts Center, attracted more than 1. 7 million youngsters to their theater presentations around the country. Critics Choice magazine called the company "a national cultural adventure".

2

. ,

I

AMERICAN THEATER ARTS FOR YOUTH, INC.

FACT SHEET

I American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. (TAFY) is the non-profit production company founded in 1971 to present children of all ages with the finest in professional, curriculum related theater. Today, TAFY provides the nation's largest, most influential vehicle for successfully integrating the theatrical experience into formal classroom instruction, thereby serving students' cultural needs and furthering teachers' curricular goals.

"American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. recognizes that theater is an important educational medium", says Laurie Wagman, TAFY's Founder/President. "Theater is a superb teaching tool, and extension of language development that brings to life literature, history and current events". Another principle underlying the T AFY organization is the belief that theater touches the senses at many levels. Thus, through the various components of theater- such as the manipulation of language, lights, space, time and emotion -young people are enriched and broadened.


A policy of modest ticket prices makes TAFY's programs available to the broadest possible audiences in over 400 cities throughout the country.

American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. has commissioned and produced on stage 42 original musicals. This remarkable record is unparalleled in the nation. The T AFY production schedule includes a series of Portraits in American History ("Ben Franklin", "Thomas Jefferson", etc.), a series that explores the experience of growing up in an urban environment ("Pied Piper of Harlem", "Black Journey", etc.) as well as adaptations offavorite classics ("Huck Finn", "Oliver Twist", ''Cinderella", etc.)

TAFY'S ARTS IN EDUCATION PROGRAM has created a unique partnership with school districts nationwide. These partnerships are designed to help integrate the theater arts into classroom by:






. , .

TAFY's productions reflect an award-winning, critically acclaimed commitment to presentations that involve the professional skills, talent and creativity of outstanding directors, designers and actors who understand the learning experience inherent in live performance.

"Because theater engages the mind and the senses at so many levels", notes Mrs. Wagman, "it's importance as a teaching tool is universally welcomed and used by educators in all disciplines and at all grade levels".

TAFY's productions have been praised by educators and the press as a delightful experience for all ages. "Again and again, AMERICAN TREATER ARTS FOR YOUTH, INC. proves how strong it is in creating original contemporary theater." wrote Leslie Bennett in the New York Times. "Their engaging productions command the attention of young audiences and the spirit is contagious."

Last year, TAFY attracted more than 1.7 million youngsters to their theater presentations around the country. Critics Choice magazine called the company "a national cultural adventure".

·- - Amerlcan Theater Arts For Youth, Inc.

Fact Sheet

Concept: American Theater Arts For Youth, Inc. (TAFY} is a non-profit production company integrateing the professional musical experience with formal classroom instruction for school age children. TAFY uses theater as a unique teaching tool to promote language development, literature history, culture and current events. The productions utiliz~ the skills, talent and creativity of professional directors, designers and actors who understand the excitement, the magic and the learning experience inherent in live performance.

Location: 1429 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone: (215) 563-3501

Fax: (215) 563·1588

Chairman/Founder! Laurie Wagman

Production Facts:

Content:

• TAFY Is the nation's leading children's theater company

• Founded in 1971 7~ ~ • TAFY productions have been touring for~~ • TAFY has produced 44 original musical productions • TAFY's Broadway For Kids musicals tour over 500 cities

annually • Over 1.6 million children attend TAFY shows each year • TAFV performs for sold out houses at venues such as

Philadelphia's Academy of Music, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and New York's Carnegie Hall

• TAFY employs over 300 actors and technical personnel

each year • Each year TAFY mounts 24 tours that travel to all

comers of the U.S.

TAFY's musical production series includes:

- continued -

nerican Theater Arts For Youth Inc. x more information call (215) 735-7110

page two of two


• An exploration of cross-cultural experiences (Black Journey, Pied Piper of Harfem, Anne Frank ... A Voice Heard)

• Favorite classics (A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Huck Finn, Oliver Twist, , Pippi Longstocking)

Educational Support: Study Guides for each production Include: • A synopsis of the· show • Suggestions for classroom ·instruction • Project ideas

• Discussion topics for the students

Related Programs.: Arts in -Education: creates workshops and residencies with school districts nationwide to link theater arts to educational, cultural and community programs Reach· For The St~rs: provides free. theater

Important Notes:

access for, children with special needs, such as physically and rnEmtaJ(y disabled, abused and neglected children

• The New York Times (3/3/98) reported that Broadway has doub.fed Its under-18 audience.

• The New York Times {5/31/98) reported that "performing arts centers' survlvaJ depends on touring musicals," and that "the touring show has surpassed New York productions In economic Impact In the last five years.''

• After a T AFY performance in California, the local promoter remarked: "The 2300 kids attending the Civic Arts Theater here in Thousand Oaks responded to TAFY's Beauty s.nd the Bes.st with lots more enthusiasm than the audience at the Rolling Stones ooncert earlier this week."

h1ERICAN THEATER ARTS Fon. YouTH, INc..

Concept:

Location:

Phone:

Fax:

Chairman/Founder:

Production Facts:

1419\\ l '-nu .. P

AMERICAN THEATER ARTS FACT SHEET

American Theater Arts (AT A) is a production company that integrates the professional music experience with education for young people. ATA uses theater as a unique teaching tool to promote language development, literature, history, culture and current events. The productions utilize the skills, talent and creativity of professional directors, designers and actors who understand the excitement, the magic and the learning experience inherent in live performance.

1429 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 563-3501

(215) 563-1588

Laurie Wagman

• AT A is the nation's leading theater company for young people, their teachers and their parents

• Founded in 1971 • ATA productions have been touring for 29 seasons • ATA has produced 44 original musical productions • AT A's Broadway For Kids musicals tour more than

500 cities annually • More than 1.6 million children attend ATA shows

each year • AT A performs for sold-out houses at venues such

as Philadelphia's Academy of Music, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and New York's Carnegie Hall

• AT A employs more than 300 professional actors and technical personnel each year

• Each year ATA mounts 26 tours that travel to all corners of the U.S.

-more-

111 , PA l'.lhl • lll • fAXt21'5}-,6~-l'i!S8

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