Brendan J. O’brien

The mission of TheaterWorksUSA is to create exceptional, transformative theatrical experiences that are accessible to young and family audiences in diverse communities throughout New York City and North America. For 57 years we have been a trailblazer in the not-for-profit theater industry. Our repertoire of 139 literature- and history-based plays and musicals has played a leading role in the rise of theater for young audiences as an art form beyond simple fairytales and hand puppets. 96.5 million children, educators, and families have joined us at the theater to enjoy titles ranging from classics like Charlotte’s Web, Curious George, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, to contemporary favorites like Pete the Cat, Rosie Revere, Engineer, and The Lightning Thief. TheaterWorksUSA’s programming addresses the uneven accessibility of art for young people. We achieve this geographically, by bringing our productions to 483 cities throughout the nation; thematically, by creating shows that are engaging and relevant for our young audiences; and financially, by keeping ticket prices affordable and distributing up to 30,000 free tickets every year. We make a concerted effort to make our services accessible in New York City where, despite the wealth of artistic opportunities present, many of the city’s residents are cut off from the vibrant artistic life of the city due to prohibitively high ticket prices. In addition to the value our programming provides to the young people we serve, we are also a top job creator in the nonprofit theater industry. We employ nearly 300 New York City-based performers, writers, and designers every year. We have helped usher emerging artists into the Actors'​ Equity Association throughout our history, enabling them to access other high quality jobs in the theater industry outside of our organization. TheaterWorksUSA alumni have gone on to illustrious, and even award-winning, careers in the arts and beyond.