Proclaim Yourself an Artist!

DURING COVID TIMES

The world may have shifted, but the need for teenagers in New York City to create art and to spark activism doesn’t end. That is why we at Developing Artists completely reformatted our summer program this year.  We started by crafting an experience that can only happen online, which included venturing into new territories - even for our staff - while adapting best we can to maintain our core objective to provide practical application of the performing arts.

So armed only with their own phone cameras, internet access and editing software - along with a basic circle light and mic we were able to provide - our students were instructed on fundamental filming guidelines to create videos of their own individual monologues, scene work and theater history as well as creating music videos on the subject brought to the surface during quarantine.

The sound may be scratchy, the shots shaky and editing jumpy at times, but what our students were able to learn and create in such a short amount of time using whatever resources they have at their disposal (e.g. cameo by their siblings or cat) show the resilience required during these extraordinary times. Being able to learn new skills in their efforts to freely express themselves - and yes that might sometimes mean brutally honest talk about sex - is still the first step in the ongoing fight for positive social change. Perhaps if more people are able to creatively express themselves and engage in open dialog instead of pent up emotions that are released through angered action, we would move more towards a brighter future.

What you will see is their experiment into this new playground...

OUR CLASSES
Developing Artists is a place where all the performing arts come together -  acting, singing, spoken word, rap, poetry, music, dance - to create.  

Students are exposed to fundamental theater arts techniques designed to build confidence, explore self-expression, empower their creative voice and instill professionalism. DA is a safe space where students are encouraged to speak freely.

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​OUR STAFF
​All working professionals, create a positive, nurturing and fun environment allowing both beginning and advanced theater students to work creatively as an ensemble. Developing Artists' teachers have worked both on and off-Broadway, in television, film and have taught at the most recognized performing arts institutions.


DA CLASS SESSIONS OFFERED
Developing Artists Class sessions are for teens 13 - 19 years old. All students must go through an interview process before being accepted into our program. Class size is limited to ensure the individualized attention and support needed for young developing artists.

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"My kids, Max Woertendyke and Lia Woertendyke spent a lot of time at Developing Artists. It was a real good place for them. They met a lot of other creative children from different areas in and around the city. Almost 15 years later they have continued friendships and working relationships with a number of them. They worked on new original plays and established ones as well. Max has gone on to be a working actor. Lia is director of an after school arts and literacy program in the public schools. She still makes art and performs. As a mom I felt secure when they were studying or rehearsing. I knew where they were. I knew it was positive. I was proud of the work they did. Thank you Jill DeArmon for being another positive adult person in their growing up life."
- HOLLYCE YOKEN