"I didn't think it was possible to have him enjoy reading, and you did -- for that I'm truly thankful."
-- parent of an ARK student
ARK is a summer program run in conjunction with the Union Public Library, Union Township, NJ.
Students grades 2-6 are paired with actor/tutors for weekly Zoom sessions July - August to work on reading aloud, vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Watch this space for information on 2024.
ARK is fun!
But don't take our word for it -- listen to Isabella in the video.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
ARK started as an answer to the following question: during the theater shutdown, how could actors who would normally be preparing to perform on stage use their skills and time to benefit the community? ACTORS READING WITH KIDS was piloted in the belief that acting and teaching have much in common, and that, as skilled, trained readers, actors could coach children in developing confidence and excitement for the vital exercise of expressing the written word.
For sharing their talent, creativity, and dedication with ARK students, we thank our 2023 Actor-Tutors:
Special thanks to the staff of the Union Public Library
for making this program possible. It could not have happened without their help, guidance, and expertise.
From Students
From Parents
Matt Gonzalez's Very Cool Illustrated Diary
Debbie Pires, Matt's ARK coach reports:
"We are reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Deep End. It's a diary with illustrations. He had registered for the Union Police Academy for Kids and would miss our session for a week. I asked if he would like to write his own diary, in the manner of the book, during the week he missed, and he agreed. The next session, he read it to me."
Brandon Elizondo's ARK Animals
Brandon's coach Mary Jane Walsh tells us:
"The connection between our reading and the art work is the word “create,” which was new for him. After working on the word’s sounds, we worked on the meaning. I asked Brandon if he ever likes “to make” anything, and his enthusiastic answer was “drawings!” We discussed his drawings, I asked to see some, and he ran to get three. I asked if he’d like to have them displayed on the TTP site. Yes!"
ALL ARE WELCOME
The arts have brought people together for thousands of years, and The Theater Project is a small part of that proud tradition. We strive to make everyone—audience, artists, and technicians—feel welcome and seen, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or presence of a disability. We aim to provide opportunities for the open exchange of ideas as our contribution towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
These programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, the Essex County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and by the generosity of our many sponors and donors.
Please visit OUR SUPPORTERS for a complete list of sponsors, donors and funders.