About Us

We Have a Vision

Thanks to the guidance of our founders Jay Harnick (1929–2007) and Charles Hull, we picture a world in which theater gives rising generations a reason to look up and explore themselves and their communities with optimism and excitement.

We are Driven by a Mission

Under the leadership of Barbara Pasternack (Artistic Director) and Michael Harrington (Managing Director), we create exceptional, transformative theatrical experiences that are accessible to young and family audiences in diverse communities throughout New York City and North America.

We Serve the Public

Theater is of and for the people. That’s why we have been and always will be committed to new works made accessible by affordable ticket prices. But our commitment to the field goes far beyond that. We want to lead as an innovator and collaborator in the cultural and education sectors, promoting the relevant and impactful nature of Theater for Young and Family Audiences.

As creators of theater for young and family audiences throughout the country, we acknowledge and honor the moral responsibility that comes with this platform and privilege. If we are to create a better world for young people to become inclusive, anti-racist, empathetic members of society, then we must do better now.

TheaterWorksUSA stands in solidarity with communities of color and against the racial inequities they have endured for centuries. To the Black artists, staff, students, children, parents, educators and audiences in our community: We see you. We hear you. We are with you in the fight for justice. Without a doubt, black lives matter.

We renew our commitment to reject and denounce racism of any kind and to use our voices to demand – and shape – a more equitable and just society. We know we have work to do within our organization to reinforce our guiding principles, practices, and policies around diversity and inclusion. We know we have work to do in supporting more artists of color and providing meaningful connection with our audiences. We know we have work to do in producing more stories that challenge us all to create a better world. We know we have work to do, and we are committed to doing it. We want our actions to speak louder than words alone. We will hold ourselves accountable and, if we fall short, we will listen and keep striving to improve.

As we continue to educate ourselves, we implore our non-Black community members to seek out resources that support their own anti-racist learning as well. Examples of organizations who are providing essential education for parents and teachers around implicit racial bias include WeStories and Teaching Tolerance. The National Museum of African American History and Culture also offers guidance and tools to inspire and facilitate conversation about race. We hope you will join us in taking action to create a more just society.

Children and Youth

We inspire and empower children and youth with entertaining and enlightening content that encourages a positive, inclusive worldview.

Educators

We think learning can be fun. So we help expand the portfolio of dynamic teacher resources that deepen classroom curricula and reinforce the Four Cs of 21st Century Learning: Creativity; Critical Thinking; Communication; and Collaboration.

Parents and Families

We produce high caliber, engaging theater that fosters an appreciation for the art form amongst expansive audiences, giving all generations something to enjoy.

Artists

We support creative and performing artists in their continued professional development, providing platforms for creative expression at any phase in someone’s career.