Plaza Theatrical Productions Inc.
Kevin Harrington
President/Producer
For more than 30 years, Plaza Theatrical Productions, Inc. has supported the cultural development of the Long Island school community through its annual series and programs. Research has shown that arts education provides students with essential communication and creative tools that last a lifetime, encouraging important traits like expression, focus, tolerance, perception, openness, articulation, confidence, awareness, motivation and self-esteem. Plaza's Arts-in-Education program presents stage adaptations of classic literary works for elementary, middle and high school students. Each production is followed by a meet-and-greet with the actors, a question-and-answer session, or an interactive workshop. The program includes an education guide that provides pre- and post-theatre activities for teachers to incorporate into their lessons. After the show, students are invited to participate in a specialized learning experience, such as becoming one of the characters or performing as an "extra" onstage.
The Performing Arts Academy offers performance workshops for K-12 students. In addition, Plaza partners with Nassau County elementary schools to offer afterschool performance workshops that culminate in fully staged productions, as well as intensive musical theatre workshops to enrich summer programs. Plaza also provides scenery and props to local public schools at no cost, to help enhance their theatre programs.
The Community Broadway Series provides quality family theatrical events Honorees through live performances in public libraries and outdoor venues in a variety of Long Island parks. On Sunday mornings, Plaza offers a theatrical workshop for adults with disabilities entitled, "Broadway: Our Way."
"Plaza Theatrical Productions impacts public education by supporting the artistic processes of creating, performing, responding and connecting, thus building better lives for students in Nassau County," wrote Plaza's award nominator.
"Theatre is a powerful educational tool," said Plaza President Kevin Harrington. "Some children seem born to entertain, while others simply love to sing, act and express their creativity. There is an important place for everyone in Plaza Theatrical Productions."
