 
 History
IMPACT Repertory Theatre is one of the oldest Black, not-for-profit theatre companies founded
in 1997 by Alice Arlen, Jamal Joseph, Joyce Joseph, and Voza
Rivers, with additional assistance from Courtney Bennett and
Ray Johnson.
IMPACT operates as a major branch of New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG), established in 1964, is one of the oldest Black not-for-profit theatre companies in New York City.
Mission
IMPACT’s mission is to use performing arts and the dynamics
of leadership training to develop and empower youth. IMPACT believes that theater arts and education play a pivotal role
in providing opportunities and transitions for the leaders of
tomorrow. IMPACT is rooted in creative self-expression
and anchored by a commitment to Safe space, Outstanding effort
and Service to the community. (S.O.S.)
Description
IMPACT promotes the healthy development of young people ages 12 to 19 by providing a learning environment that encourages,
nurtures and challenges its students.It offers arts and leadership workshops,
performance opportunities, community service, tutoring and mentoring
to its participants. The program curriculum encourages its students
to focus on life and pre-professional skills, literacy, culture
and political issues.
Since its inception, IMPACT has worked with over 300 young people
and staged more than 300 performances to live audiences totaling
well over 150,000. IMPACT members have performed at colleges,
libraries, outdoor festivals, homeless shelters, museums, churches,
corporate events and penal facilities. IMPACT has appeared at the Million Family March, the Brooklyn Children’s Hospital’s “Healing Through Laughter” program, the Apollo Theater, the New York City Marathon, the United Nations, churches and many times in New York City public schools and universities. They have appeared on CBS and Nickelodeon television stations, and in the HBO film, Disappearing Acts.
Under the auspices of New Heritage, IMPACT has produced a professional
CD of original songs; Reaching Up, a documentary film
project; Central Park, a performance piece based on the
tragic episode following the 2000 Puerto Rican Day Parade; and
a music soundtrack to The Long Walk to Freedom and harlem
is…, two landmark exhibitions produced by Community Works, our collaborating partner.
Curriculum
IMPACT’s curriculum includes:
Impact Repertory Theatre Performance Company – Young people
use current events and their own personal experience as material
to explore the issues facing young people in America. The Rep
company performs in front of over 10,000 people per year at venues
like the United Nations, group homes, and penitentiaries. The IMPACT Repertory team participates in the following programs:
Dance: |
Modern, Jazz, Traditional African, Hip-Hop and Ballet |
Movement: |
Martial Arts, Stage Combat, Stepping and Pantomime |
Music: |
Voice, Composition, Keyboards, and Musical Theatre |
Drama: |
Improvisation, Scene Study, Monologues, Performance and Audition Techniques |
Leadership: |
Conflict Resolution, Public Speaking, Drug Prevention, Career  Planning, Community Organizing, Time Management and Personal Growth |
Writing: |
Poetry, Songs, Essays, Short Stories, Plays and Movie Scripts |
Impact Boot Camp – Prospective
members experience an eight-week intensive
leadership training program to become members
of Impact. Here they learn the fundamentals
of leadership, service and public speaking.
Impact Boot Camp trainees also learn the
repertory performance material.
Impact Repertory Theatre Community Service Programs – Impact
believes the first step of true leadership is service. Every year
members of Impact visit nursing homes, participate in block clean
ups and organize food drives to assist in the health of their community. |
