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IMPACT Repertory Theatre
Position(s):
Performer
IMPACT Repertory Theatre is one of the oldest Black, not-for-profit theatre companies founded in 1997 by Alice Arlen, Jamal Joseph, Joyce Joseph, and Voza Rivers, with additional assistance from Courtney Bennett and Ray Johnson.
IMPACT’s mission is to use performing arts and the dynamics of leadership training to develop and empower youth. IMPACT believes that theater arts and education play a pivotal role in providing opportunities and transitions for the leaders of tomorrow. IMPACT is rooted in creative self-expression and anchored by a commitment to Safe space, Outstanding effort and Service to the community. (S.O.S.)
IMPACT promotes the healthy development of young people ages 12 to 19 by providing a learning environment that encourages, nurtures and challenges its students. It offers arts and leadership workshops, performance opportunities, community service, tutoring and mentoring to its participants. The program curriculum encourages its students to focus on life and pre-professional skills, literacy, culture and political issues.
Since its inception, IMPACT has worked with over 300 young people and staged more than 300 performances to live audiences totaling well over 150,000. IMPACT members have performed at colleges, libraries, outdoor festivals, homeless shelters, museums, churches, corporate events and penal facilities. IMPACT has appeared at the Million Family March, the Brooklyn Children's Hospital's "Healing Through Laughter" program, the Apollo Theater, the New York City Marathon, the United Nations, churches and many times in New York City public schools and universities. They have appeared on CBS and Nickelodeon television stations, and in the HBO film, Disappearing Acts.
Under the auspices of New Heritage, IMPACT has produced a professional CD of original songs; Reaching Up, a documentary film project; Central Park, a performance piece based on the tragic episode following the 2000 Puerto Rican Day Parade; and a music soundtrack to The Long Walk to Freedom and harlem is…, two landmark exhibitions produced by Community Works, our collaborating partner.
IMPACT operates as a major branch of New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG), established in 1964, one of the oldest Black not-for-profit theatre companies in New York City.
