Dear Friend,

Every great community should have a great community theatre. This was our mission back in 2010 when we founded the Riverdale Children’s Theatre: to create a place to bring together children from all different cultures and backgrounds to learn about themselves, each other, and the joy of performing. Now, 15 years later, our year-round programs and productions spread confidence, kindness, and the transformative power of the performing arts to hundreds of families in the Bronx and beyond. We owe our success to people like you, who believe and support our mission.

We've soared many times over the years. Besides the many magical shows, we were recognized nationally by CNN as a 2021 Champion for Change and by Backstage Magazine, who listed us among the top children's theatre companies in the United States. Unfortunately, these accolades do not come with financial security. Since the pandemic, production costs have continued to skyrocket and our mission is at risk. We need your help. Your tax-deductible donation helps us to sustain our program, cover scholarships and keep our program costs affordable for all families. Please donate today so we can continue to bring our special brand of magic to kids and families in our communities.

With your gift you.....

Support the Arts: Your support helps us to bring the joy of live musical theatre to the Bronx and beyond. It allows children from all different backgrounds to participate equally in the experience of a truly American art form; to learn and enhance thier singing, acting, and dance skills; to work in a team environment; to forge connections with students from all walks of life and to work with top industry professionals. Each and every show is a community event that brings families together to support young performers, and in return the community as a whole benefits!

Support Access: Nearly 600 children participate in our classes and musical productions each year. Your support allows us to keep our program costs affordable for all. We also award more than $50,000 in scholarships each year to ensure children from disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in our program. Their inclusion is part of the mission of the Riverdale Children's Theatre, and your donation helps us to achieve that.

Support Dreams: We provide free audition workshops for middle school and high school students to help prepare for admission to the competitive NYC performing arts schools. As of 2024, 96% of our 8th graders are accepted to New York City performing arts high schools, and we have an incredible record of acceptance (100%) of our high school seniors applying to performing arts programs, colleges and universities!

Support Continuing Education and Mental Health: RCT's Professional Development Fund and Mental Health Fund allows us to continue to help former RCT students with essential financial support during challenging times. These funds often cover the costs of voice lessons, classes, essential items and mental health counseling as they continue to work on a career in the arts.

Thank you from all of us at The Riverdale Children's Theatre

SUPPORT RCT!