Meet the Team Behind: Rosie’s Theater Kids

Rosie’s Theater Kids is dedicated to enriching the lives of children in New York City through the arts. Rosie’s offers classes in music, dance, and drama— giving kids the opportunity to learn about creative arts and explore their passions. With mentoring and guidance, Rosie’s students are set up for success in the theater world. Learn more here! 

What is your mission? 

At our core, we use musical theater and the arts to teach important life skills and enrich the lives of thousands of underserved New York City public school students. By including classes in music, dance, and drama into the school year curriculum, students develop self-confidence and creative thinking skills. Twenty years ago, we taught “Magic to Do” from Pippin to our very first class of eager fifth graders at PS 51, and since then, we have shared the joy and power of musical theater with more than 25,000 New York City public school students and their families.

What is the inspiration behind Rosie’s Theater Kids?

RTKids was founded by Rosie O’Donnell and Lori Klinger in April 2003 to provide quality instruction in music and dance at no cost to New York City public school students. In the two decades since, RTKids has blossomed into much more than just a youth arts program. With 20 years of experience now behind us, RTKids is focused on the future, which will include an even deeper investment in the academic and professional needs and ambitions of our students and alumni. 

Can you tell me about your programs? 

PS Broadway is our in-school program for fifth graders that introduces them to musical theater and artistic expression. Primarily taught at low income schools, trained teaching artists and professional musicians lead this 15-week program that includes a weekly one-hour musical theater class, a private concert with a Broadway performer, and a final student performance. ACTE II is our year-round scholarship program for students in grades 6-12 that takes place at our Maravel Arts Center home and provides outstanding PS Broadway graduates with a transformative performing arts education and personalized academic support.

How does your staff support students beyond theater training?

Trained teaching artists and professional musicians lead our programs. Our experienced, caring, and thoughtful staff provide a thorough, well-rounded performing arts education while also focusing on academic excellence and building good work and study habits. Outside of arts training, our students receive personalized academic guidance, college prep classes, and thoughtful mentoring in a safe and nurturing environment, promoting new ambitions and jump starting their young lives. We are lucky to have created a community of caring families, educators, elected officials, artists, and others who are dedicated to enriching the lives of students through the arts.