Our aim is to nourish curricula deprived of the arts while providing students from low socioeconomic groups equal access to creative programming.
Since 1989, the Theater and Poetry Project (TAPP) has been presenting free arts education in the form of poetry workshops, Meet-the-Author sessions, and musical theater and dance performances to the Paterson Public Schools.
We offer language arts enrichment in 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.
New Jersey law states that artistic programming is essential to public education. The NJ Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts (NJSLS-VPA) describe 5 artistic disciplines which should be offered throughout the K-12 spectrum:
While arts education doesn’t directly influence test scores, studies have shown that the arts have the ability to develop creativity, critical thinking, and innovation skills.
The arts can be directly integrated into curricula to help students make stronger connections with material and foster deeper understanding.