People’s Theatre Project, a vibrant 501(C)(3) non-profit organization in Northern Manhattan, began in 2008 as a shared dream between Dominican theatre artist and educator Mino Lora and New York City based actor Bob Braswell. Both proud residents of Washington Heights since 2005, the founders had long wished to fuse their passions for theatre and social justice and decided there was no better way to do it than to engage the people in their own neighborhood. Since its inception, the organization has grown tremendously to reach over 1,000 people each year; sharing the struggles and triumphs of the diverse community members ages 5 - 95. Thanks in great part to the support of many wonderful community organizations, this work has been recognized by the 2010 Union Square Awards for arts and social justice, State Senator Bill Perkins’ Creative Power of Women Award and has been featured in The New York Times, The New York Daily News, the Associated Press, NY1, El Diario Libre, Listin Diario, the Manhattan Times and magazines Mujer Unica and Bostonia. We invite you to join us in actively creating a stronger community through the arts.
about
We believe in art.
We believe in peace.
We believe in dialogue.
We believe in community.
All programming is designed to engage the children, youth, adults, senior citizens and artists that coexist in our diverse neighborhood in an ongoing dialogue. By successfully establishing a theatrical platform for the residents of Washington Heights/Inwood to identify, explore and address the issues that affect our world, we aim to transform the culture of the community from one of disconnection to one of peace, strength and unity. To make its work available to everyone regardless of economic status and cultural background all public programs are offered in English and Spanish and on a Pay-What-You-Can basis.
Methodology
Vision
We envision Northern Manhattan as a diverse community that actively fosters a culture of peace where individuals have a voice, feel empowered to take a stand on issues that affect them and where disparate community sectors advocate for one another. Existing cultural, generational and economic gaps in our community are bridged by the telling of stories and theatre serves as a safe and inspiring alternative to violence for local youth. Neighbors of all ages, ethnicities and economic means join together in powerful performances that reflect their collective histories and needs, and the entire community is empowered to speak, act and be heard.
Mission
People’s Theatre Project uses theatre to raise the awareness of urgent issues impacting Washington Heights and Inwood and advocates for social justice by empowering local residents of all ages to become artists and activists in their own lives and their community.
Values
People’s Theatre Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, community-based organization which uses theatre to raise the awareness of urgent issues impacting Washington Heights and Inwood and advocates for social justice by empowering local residents of all ages to become artists and activists in their own lives and their community.
