IMPACT
ARTIVISM
We are youth activists who view the creative arts and leadership training as a way to develop ourselves and change the world in a positive way.
S.O.S.
We believe that we must be the message that we bring through hard work, focus, discipline, unity and the principles of S.O.S. Safe space, Outstanding effort and Service to our family friends and community.
IMPACT’s New Initiative THE IMPACT WAY
Funded by a WHDC Grant
In the wake of Anti-Asian America Pacific Islander violence, IMPACT youth are preparing the second edition of their Town Hall Project. A multi-generational community Performance Art Event that will give a safe space for a community discussion in Harlem on Black and Asian Unity.
Additional funding by ioby
15 K Matching Grant
On the eve of the Olympics, musicians from Harlem, Japan and Zimbabwe virtually gather together to share a positive thought, stop all hate crimes, and celebrate peace by singing a Bob Marley's classic, One Love.
Harlem's OSCAR & GRAMMY nominated youth group IMPACT Repertory Theatre
WHAT IS IMPACT?
IMPACT Repertory Theatre Performance Company is a safe space where young people use current events and their own personal experiences as material to explore the issues facing young people in America. The Repertory Company performs in front of over 25,000 people per year at venues ranging from the United Nations Headquarters, NYC's City Hall, hospitals, public schools as well as penitentiaries.
While attending Impact Boot Camp, prospective members experience a twelve-week intensive leadership training program, eventually become members of IMPACT. At Boot Camp they learn the fundamentals of leadership, service and public speaking and also start to learn the repertory performance material.
Impact Repertory Theatre Community Service Programs IMPACT believes the first step of true leadership is service. Every year, our members visit nursing homes, participate in block clean ups and organize food drives to assist in the health of their community.
5000+
IMPACT YOUTH
LEADERS
250+
PERFORMANCES
EVERY YEAR
WHY WE IMPACT
As a community, Harlem is known for its rich culture. From artists such as Langston Hughes to Ruby Dee and the legendary Malcom X, it has boasted a citizenry that has made great contributions to American culture. This multi-faceted community has also had its fair share of violence, poverty and crime.
IMPACT co-founders Jamal Joseph and Voza Rivers created IMPACT Repertory Theatre to be, at its core, a sanctuary for the many kids who have entered its walls, providing a safe space where they can explore their full potential without fear of stigma, ridicule or recrimination. Born from an incident of violence, IMPACT strives always to promote a positive paradigm: PEACE.
"KEEP A POSITIVE THOUGHT because a positive thought CANNOT BE DENIED."
“
I took all the values that I have received from IMPACT and applied them to succeeding in school.
Anthony McKenzie
IMPACT Boot Camp 19
BOOK US
IMPACT is available for performances throughout the NYC Metro area and beyond. Phone: 1 212 926 4516 impactdietrice@gmail.com
JOIN US
We are always looking for young people who are interested in the arts and their community. Contact us if you are interested in auditioning.
DONATE
Support our youth! The generous contributions of the community are what keep IMPACT REP able to reach and empower youth.
safe space
A place to rehearse, study, edit videos, record music and gather in a safe, creative environment, multiple times a week.
OUR TEAM
Impact Founders and Staff cultivate the Youth Leaders of Tomorrow
Jamal Joseph
Executive Artistic Director & Founder
U.S. Writer, Director, Producer, Poet, and Activist
Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia University School of the Arts in the Film Department
One of the Panther 21 while incarcerated for his active participation in the Black Panther Party Joseph earned two college degrees and wrote five plays and two volumes of poetry. He is a full professor and former chair of Columbia University’s Graduate Film Division and the artistic director of the New Heritage Theatre Group in Harlem. He has been featured on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, BET's American Gangster and on Tupac Shakur's "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" Volumes 1 & 2. He is the author of the interactive biography on Tupac Shakur, Tupac Shakur Legacy.
Voza Rivers
Executive Producer & Founder
Dietrice Bolden
Artistic Director
Michelle Huart
Production Coordinator/Assistant Vocal Coach
NIcole Acy
Director of Choreography
S.Jordan Isler
Director of Programming, Director of IMPACT Rep College Prep
Jarrett Parker
Director of Vocal Department
Mary Jane Marcasiano
Director of Development
Impact Advisory Board
Nile Rogers
Susan Penzner, Chair - President Susan Penzner Real Estate
Julian Riley ESQ, Member - Independent Business Affairs and Brand Asset Advisor/Producer
Nile Rogers, Member - We Are Family Foundation
Jamal Joseph, Member - Professor at Columbia University Graduate School of the Arts / Executive Artistic Director, IMPACT Repertory Theatre
Voza Rivers, Member - Executive Producer, New Heritage Theatre Group
Lainie Cooke, Emeritus
IMPACT FOUNDERS
Alice Arlen Raymond Johnson Joyce Joseph Courtney Bennett
Are you ready to make an
IMPACT?