The Academy for Theatre, Leadership & Advocacy
Application Now Open!
The People’s Theatre Academy is a rigorous, multi-year theatre and social justice leadership program in Upper Manhattan dedicated to the holistic development of young people. We envision the Academy as an artistic laboratory that centers the stories and lived experiences of immigrant youth and youth of color, while welcoming participants of all backgrounds. The Academy fosters a deep sense of belonging and creates a brave space where participants can come as they are and grow in their social-emotional learning as young artists and leaders.
All participants receive a full scholarship.
From Middle School to Graduation: Building Leadership Through Theatre
The People's Theatre Academy is intentionally designed to engage Young Artists starting in middle school and continuing with them as they progress into high school and beyond. This unique 6-year program requires participants to commit to 2-year segments, each focusing on a specific set of skills: leadership in the first phase, theatre in the second, and advocacy in the final. The curriculum is carefully scaffolded to foster a comprehensive development in ensemble-based devised theatre-making. Each year culminates with We the People, a youth theatre festival performed on a professional stage. In addition to the core curriculum, the Academy supports the holistic development of Young Artists through the following offerings.
Academy offerings include:
- Arts & Activism Electives
- College and Career Readiness Opportunities
- Excursions to Broadway or Off-Broadway shows
- Summer Lab—a 2-week summer theatre intensive
- Wraparound Services- In partnership with local organizations, young artists can receive priority access to resources and opportunities.
Academy Admissions Process
Step 1: Apply
The application form is brief, can be completed in English or Spanish, and will take approximately ten minutes to complete. As part of the application, you will be asked for your calendar availability to attend an informational session, an audition, and a family interview. If you have any schedule conflicts or questions, please reach out to Associate Education Director Reyna Erika Bonaparte at reyna@thepeoplestheatre.org or call (646) 248-9711.
There is no fee to apply.
Step 2: Attend an Info Session (Mandatory)
All applicant families are required to attend a virtual information session on March 27th or April 17th, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. At this virtual session, Academy staff will provide an overview of this multi-year program's curriculum, our commitment to our Young Artists, and the admissions process.
After submitting your application, our team will be in touch to confirm your attendance at one of the two dates.
Step 3: Group Audition
March 28th & April 18th, by appointment at the United Palace (4140 Broadway, New York, NY 10033)
After reviewing student applications, Academy staff will reach out to applicants with either an assigned group audition time or a request for more information.
***If a Young Artist is unavailable for an in-person audition, arrangements can be made to submit an audition video.***
Step 4: Family Interview
Saturday, May 2nd by appointment only.
Following the group audition, applicants will either receive an invitation to participate in an informal family interview, or a notification that the applicant will not be moving on to the next step. Family interviews will be held virtually via Zoom and are the final step in the admissions process.
Frequently Asked Admissions Questions
No need to prepare anything in advance for the auditions. The participants will be engaging in group activities that explore ways to collaborate with other young artists and be creative in different ways. Wearing comfortable clothing is advised as movement is involved in the activities.
Each year we invite 24 middle school students to join the Academy.
We strongly believe that we are all artists and activists so no need to have prior experience in acting in order to participate in the audition process. We are looking for enthusiasm, commitment, collaboration and creativity. Also, the auditions work both ways. This is a chance for all participants to get a taste of the work we do at The People's Theatre and decide whether they would love to commit to a program like this.
The family interview gives the students, parent/guardians, and Adademy staff members an opportunity to find out more about each other, gauge the family’s commitment to the program, and answer any questions that have come up along the way. Interviews are informal and held virtually. Families are encouraged to prepare by discussing why each family member is interested in being part of the Academy, and what they hope to gain from the experience.
Each class is led by a Teaching Artist with a background in Educational or Applied Theatre. Additionally, all Academy classes include a Supporting Artist who assists with communication with families and classroom management.
Beginning in Fall 2026, all classes take place at The People's Theatre: Centro Cultural Inmigrante in the Inwood neighborhood of Upper Manhattan.
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