"We’re Here Because"
In Manhattan, thousands of children live near the “Great White Way” but never have the opportunity to step inside one of the theaters and experience Broadway. As Rosie says, it’s “like living in Hawaii and not having access to the beach.”.jpg)
Today, New York City public schools rely largely on private funding for arts education and they continue to struggle due to a constant shortage of public funding. This is where Rosie’s Theater Kids comes in.
Rosie’s Theater Kids was inspired by Rosie O’Donnell’s life-long concern for children, love of theater, and dream of teaching. In 2003, thanks to the generosity of Rosie and Kelli O’Donnell, Artistic and Executive Director Lori Klinger created RTKids, dedicated to providing quality instruction in music and dance at no cost to New York City public schools or students.
Who We Serve
Eighty percent of students who participate in Rosie’s Theater Kids are from low-income families. Rosie’s Theater Kids serves more than 5,100 teachers, students, and their family members at 22 schools.
We currently have programs in Harlem, Midtown West, Chelsea, Lower East Side, East Village, Chinatown, and Brooklyn.
Promo Video
Rosie leads us through an inside look at the RTKids programs, including clips from PS Broadway and our Summer Intensive!
Watch Video
New Home
Get an inside look at our headquarters - Maravel Arts Center!
Learn More