T.A.P

in their own skin. They gain confidence, which helps them not only as performers, but in every aspect of their lives. By becoming members of an ensemble, they feel safe to stretch themselves creatively and emotionally. Theatre helps them find their own special place in the world giving them a sense of belonging. Children learn the skills of memorization, concentration and team work which aid them in being more socially adept and having less fear regarding everything they do. They do better in school, make stronger choices, feel more confident about speaking up and become more successful people. Our specialty is our Musical Theatre Workshops, specially edited versions of well-known musicals. The scripts are specifically tailored for the individual actors involved so that every character has a moment to shine appropriate to their own comfort, age and experience level. The emphasis is on each child feeling special and successful and having fun. The great show is a bonus! Actors and audience alike are delighted and young thespians have the opportunity to learn what it is to be a part of a musical theatre ensemble. We can also teach workshops in acting, improv, voice, movement or visual arts of any kind. We can tailor this to supplement something being covered in your current curriculum or give a general arts education class. Traci Timmons (Founder/Executive Director). has been a professional actor, singer, teacher, director, producer and administrator for many years. She is a graduate of the Northwest Actors Studio Conservatory Program where she later taught acting and served as Program Director. She has performed, directed and taught extensively throughout Westchester, New York City and Seattle. She was the Theatre Institute Director for the Bendheim Performing Arts Center where she created the successful Musical Theatre Workshop division. She has worked with the Broadway Bound Program at CGPAC, the Advanced Musical Theatre Training Program at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, the Lighthouse Youth Theatre, the Tarrytown YMCA, and the JCC-on-the-Hudson. She did educational touring theatre with TALK (Take Action Listen to Kids) and Seattle Public Theatre. Traci is currently the Co-Artistic Director for The Family Repertory Company, on the board of the Runaway Theatre Company, and a hall of fame member of Darknight Productions, as well as being the founder of Crazy Eights Theatre Co. Her greatest joy is helping all young people explore their creativity and emotions in a safe environment, regardless of experience. Kelley Blessing (Production Manager). has a Master of Teaching from Drew University and is a Certified Theater Teacher with extensive experience with populations from typical to non-verbal Autistic and has basic training in Handle with Care. She has worked with students aged three to eighteen at the Sawtelle Learning Center, The Newark Museum, Playwright’s Theatre of NJ and the University Heights Charter School. She has developed unique curriculums on various artistic techniques, creating independent projects, theatrical design, playwrighting and theatre history. She has taught emotional expression, impulse control and social interaction to special needs students as well. At the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, she provided individual and group therapy sessions for ages 5 – 50 in communication skills and motor function using somatic and movement therapy. She has worked professionally as a designer, stage manager and technical director for various companies in New York City and New Jersey. She was a competitive ballroom dancer, and has written several plays, including “You Don’t Know How It Feels” being currently workshopped in New York City theatres and festivals. Our board consists of New York theatre professionals who are also the key leadership of The Runaway Theatre Company, Darknight Productions and The Family Repertory Company. They are George Domenick, Sydia Cedeno, Kevin Clancy, Danielle Nichole Tyler, Marvin Felix Camillo, Jr. and Kimberly Hernandez.