The Theater and Poetry Project (TAPP) presents free poetry workshops, Meet-the-Author sessions, and musical theater and dance performances to the Paterson Public Schools.
We offer language arts enrichmentin the form of in-class or virtual workshops led by professional poets for Paterson students, grades 1-12.
This experience allows students to meet children’s book authors and develop personal connections with literature while increasing reading engagement.
A published anthology showcases winning poems, which are presented annually by students in the PCCC Theater during an awards ceremony.
Professional shows presented in the PCCC Theater, including classic children’s stories and multi-cultural programming, offered to students, K-8.
The 2021 Anthology showcases award-winning poems submitted by Paterson youth for the annual student poetry contest. Many reflected on the challenges brought by the pandemic, virtual learning, and the new normal.
During an extraordinarily difficult year, poetry was able to provide a small outlet to for for students to make their voices heard.
Over the years, the Theater and Poetry Project has enriched the lives of Paterson students, many of whom because of limited school budgets and constrained financial situations, have lacked access to the arts. But there are so many students in Paterson—some very gifted, some with just a thirst for the arts—who have flourished under what TAPP has brought to their lives in terms of creativity in both writing and theater. For Paterson students, TAPP has opened doors—ones that might never have been opened except for this outstanding and innovative programming.
Over the years, the Theater and Poetry Project has enriched the lives of Paterson students, many of whom because of limited school budgets and constrained financial situations, have lacked access to the arts. But there are so many students in Paterson—some very gifted, some with just a thirst for the arts—who have flourished under what TAPP has brought to their lives in terms of creativity in both writing and theater. For Paterson students, TAPP has opened doors—ones that might never have been opened except for this outstanding and innovative programming.
Storytelling can be a form of community organizing. These stories and poems are testimonies to real lived life. Students flourish in asserting the power of their narrative, carefully crafting the beloved details of their perspective. There is great love and joy in opportunities like these. Learning moments like these raise the standard of our living. Young artists become tremendous ambassadors and advocates for their Silk City through their work. The Theater and Poetry Project is a servant leader by providing this space and tending to these relationships. The Center tends a garden in which we all grow.