What makes Theatre Action Project different from a traditional theatre company?

Theatre Action Project is unique because we combine theatre with education. For us, theatre and creativity are our tools and our goal is education and social change.

How much does your programming cost?

The costs of Our Programs vary depending upon the grant monies we currently have to subsidize Our Programs, and the amount of programs you book. It has always been our policy to work on a sliding scale and make every effort to help schools and community groups who seek are programming find a way to make it happen.

How many hours are your programs?

Every program works differently. We offer a range from programs that are complete in one hour to programs that span entire school years.

Are donations tax-deductible?

All donations to Theatre Action Project are tax-deductible and go towards making our programming available to the people who need it most. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

How and when did TAP begin?

TAP began in 1997 as a violence prevention project conducted by UT graduate students in the Drama and Theatre for Youth Program at UT. The students applied for a grant from the Travis County Crime Victims Fund, received it, and the rest is history. In 2001 TAP received nonprofit status and has continued to grow and add additional programs since then.

Why is interactive and educational theatre so effective?

Interactive and educational theatres combine live performance and audience participation in the form of dialogue or hands-on activities, to help people examine complex social issues in a non-threatening but positive fashion. Theatre can challenge the attitudes that govern our actions. In addition to learning new theatre skills, youth are able to identify problems and devise strategies to overcome barriers. All learning comes from an experience which takes place in an open and creative environment, leading to messages and conclusions that are remembered long after the program has ended.

Can parents sponsor programs for their child’s school?

Yes! Sometimes schools cannot afford the full cost to bring our programming. In those cases, PTA’s, individual parents or local businesses run by parents will cover the remaining costs.

Can TAP customize a program for anything?

TAP can create an interactive performance or exploratory creative drama workshop for any population to explore virtually any social topic. We create new work nearly every week for various community groups throughout the region.

Does TAP offer training?

Well, not yet! We are in the process of creating a training program so we can teach others how to do what we do. Check back in the next few months to learn more. If this is something you would be interested in, let us know.

How far will TAP travel to provide programming?

It depends on the program. If the cost of travel is covered by the school or community group seeking our programming, we can usually travel as far as 150 miles from Austin. Send us an email or give us a call—we are always willing to consider requests.

Does TAP present at conferences?

Yes! We have conducted small workshops, large full conference performances, panel discussions and more to demonstrate and share our work with others. Give us a call to discuss.

Are there other programs like TAP in other cities across the US?

TAP is one of a handful of similar programs in the United States. Check out our links section to see some of our colleagues across the world who are doing similar programs.

Open Door Theatre — Dedicated to freeing children from violence and abuse by teaching safety skills through dramatic live performances.
www.opendoortheatre.org

Imagination Theater — Educational theater company that performs for groups of children, adults, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
www.imaginationtheater.org

Climb Theatre — Educational theatre company performing in schools for K-12th grade.
www.climb.org

ENACT — Educational Network of Artists in Creative Theatre Using interactive drama and conflict resolution techniques to facilitate personal growth, effective communication and behavioral and attitudinal change.
www.users.rcn.com/enact/

Mixed Company Theatre — Mixed Company began as a Toronto-based artist-run collective in the early 1980’s, and in 1991 started focusing on integrating arts into the community through the use of Forum Theatre or Boal's techniques of Theatre of the Oppressed.
www.mixedcompanytheatre.com

Actionwork — Actionwork runs a variety of multimedia arts programs, courses and activities throughout the UK and abroad.
www.actionwork.com

Class Act Theatre — Western Australia's largest unfunded Theatre in Education company, provides an exciting way of teaching syllabus subjects at schools. Class Act members have years of experience in this field, and by 2003 the company had produced over thirty original plays (3,200 performances) to over 400 000 children. It has been an invaluable aid to many teachers. The company performs in available spaces at schools, bringing theatre to children who might otherwise never be exposed to it.
www.classact.com.au

CTC Theatre — Cleveland Theatre Company was set up in 1987 to provide a professional drama resource for the former county of Cleveland in the UK. Creates theatre experiences for children and young people, which aim to contribute to their emotional, spiritual and social development. Tours professional theatre productions to schools and venues within Tees Valley, the North East and nationally in the UK.
www.ctctheatre.org.uk

Creative Arts Team — New York University's CREATIVE ARTS TEAM (CAT) emerged as an educational theatre company in 1974. Housed in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, CAT is one of NYU's largest community outreach program and realizes the potential of a "private university in public service." Under visionary artistic leadership, CAT has established itself as an international leader in educational theatre. CAT involves audiences and integrates participants into the work.
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