The PTP Academy
Now Enrolling for Fall 2025
The PTP Academy is a rigorous, multi-year theatre and social justice leadership program in Upper Manhattan dedicated to the holistic development of immigrant youth and youth of color. We envision the PTP Academy as an artistic laboratory that fosters a deep sense of belonging, 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 PTP 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 of the PTP Academy culminates with a performance in a theater during PTP's We the People Festival. In addition to the core curriculum, PTP supports the holistic development of Young Artists through the following offerings.
PTP 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.
PTP 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. 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 April 12 or May 10, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. At this virtual session, PTP 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, Associate Education Director Reyna Erika Bonaparte will be in touch to confirm your attendance at one of the two dates.
Step 3: Group Audition
April 13 or May 11, 2024, by appointment at the United Palace (4140 Broadway, New York, NY 10033)
After reviewing student applications, PTP 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
May 28th - May 31st 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 PTP 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 at PTP work both ways. This is a chance for all participants to get a taste of the work we do at PTP and decide whether they would love to commit to a program like this.
The family interview gives the students, parent/guardians, and PTP 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 PTP 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 PTP classes include a Supporting Artist who assists with communication with families and classroom management.
Unless otherwise noted, all classes take place at the NoMAA Studios at the United Palace Theater (4140 Broadway) in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan.
COLLABORATE
Bring the People’s Theatre Project experience to your school or work place.
