The New Victory Theater and the Children's Museum of Manhattan Launch Year Long Series "Play's the Thing"

The New Victory Theater (New Vic) and Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM)-two of New York City's leading cultural institutions for young people and families-join forces to create Play's the Thing, a year-long program designed to complement each organization's ongoing commitment to active play and artistic engagement for families. Through this collaboration, The New Vic and CMOM will develop special events and programs that inspire families to make creativity, imagination and play a regular part of their daily lives together. Many of these programs will take place at CMOM and are free with paid admission to the Museum. The program kicks off September 19, 2009 at CMOM with a New Vic Studio Sampler and a Circus Dioramas program taught by Teaching Artists from both organizations.

CMOM and The New Vic endorse research that states that the arts are integral to 21st century learning, particularly imagination, creativity and innovation. Studies show that children who engage in the arts develop critical and analytical skills and gain self confidence. This unique partnership allows each organization to address the multiple ways children learn though theater, music, dance and visual arts. Because opportunities for children to engage in the arts in their schools have decreased dramatically across the city, Play's the Thing encourages families to integrate arts and creativity into their daily lives.

"The New Victory Theater and CMOM share a commitment to stimulating children's imaginations, encouraging kids to think independently and creatively, and providing families with shared thought-provoking experiences," says Cora Cahan, President of The New 42nd Street and The New Vic. "We're delighted to be collaborating with CMOM on Play's the Thing and look forward to what promises to be a spirited and productive relationship."

"The arts are essential to a child's growth and development. Many children learn best through a particular art form, whether it is the visual arts, music, dance or theatre. By providing our children access to the arts, we are providing them with a pathway to lifelong learning and self expression-as well as the creative skills so valued in the workplace," said Andrew Ackerman, Executive Director, Children's Museum of Manhattan. "CMOM is delighted to partner with the New Vic to bring quality arts education to families visiting the Museum. New York City is the nation's art capital, and our families deserve the Best of the Arts."

Play's the Thing events will take place at CMOM located in the Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, and feature some of the remarkable artists performing at The New Vic as well as Teaching Artists from the theater's extraordinary teaching artist ensemble:

New Vic Studio Sampler - Saturday, September 19

The New Vic brings their popular Family Workshop series to CMOM. Led by New Vic Teaching Artists, families are invited to learn exciting new skills, including circus basics, juggling, plate-spinning and physical comedy.

Best for families with kids ages 4-11.

1:45 - 2:15 pm

2:30 - 3:00 pm

3:15 - 3:45 pm

Limit 30 participants per session.

Calder-inspired Circus Dioramas - Saturday, September 19

CMOM Teaching Artists will lead a complementary visual arts program on the same day of the New Vic Studio Sampler. Children will use string, wire and found objects to create their own magical mini-circus.

Ages 5 & older

11:00am - 12:00 pm

New Vic Family Gh'oul Times - Sunday, October 18

Just in time for Halloween, The New Victory Theater invites little monsters and their families to discover the BOO-tiful memories that come from imagining and playing together!

Character Creation: create silly and scary Halloween characters with New Vic Teaching Artists

Best for families with kids ages 5 and older.

1:30-2:15 pm

2:30-3:15 pm

3:30-4:15 pm

Limit 20 participants per session (in studio).

Puppet & Mask Madness

Located in CMOM's Creativity Lab, New Vic Teaching Artists help participants create a mask or puppet. Can't decide "witch" one to make? Create both!

Drop-In from 1:30-4:30 pm

For families with kids of all ages.

Meet THE FLAMING IDIOTS - Tuesday, December 29

Juggling jokesters Gyro, Pyro and Walter will roam CMOM and be in various areas of the Museum to show off tricks for their New Vic holiday extravaganza, CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON THE FLAMING IDIOTS. WARNING: buffoonery and cheer highly contagious!

11:00am - 12:00 pm

More information about these events and other exciting programs for Play's The Thing can be found at NewVictory.org, CMOM.org or by calling 212.721.1234.

About The New Victory Theater

The New Victory Theater is New York City's first and only full-time performing arts theater for kids, their families and classmates. Since it opened in 1995, The New Victory has quickly become an integral part of the cultural landscape in New York City, presenting a full season of adventurous multidisciplinary works from around the globe and close to home. The New Vic seeks out sophisticated, thought-provoking, professional productions that are as artistically rich as they are entertaining. Tickets are made affordable as a result of support from a variety of public and private sources and cost an average of $17, with seats for members available for as little as $8.75.

In addition, The New Victory also offers daytime school performances ($2 per student), family workshops and jobs to high school and college students. Interactive Lower Lobby Activities, FYIs (performance-related exhibits) and Talk-backs with the artists are offered in conjunction with select performances throughout the season. The theater's website, NewVictory.org, continues to be an excellent resource, providing video clips and more information about each production in the season, as well as show-related activities.

About Children's Museum of Manhattan

Founded in 1973, the Children's Museum of Manhattan is New York City's leading cultural institution dedicated solely to kids and families. CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions. CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages. Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds. For details on all of CMOM's programs, please visit www.cmom.org or call 212.721.1234.