.jpg){kind=logo}
Kids Creative Collective
About KCC
Since 2011 Kids Creative Collective has provided the under resourced kids and teens of NYC with premiere TUITION-FREE arts programming IN SCHOOLS, IN DEVISED PRODUCTIONS and IN PRIVATE WORKSHOPS.
​
​​
Some core aspects of our
work include:​​​
​​
Body Learning
KCC serves all young people, but we have developed an effective way of mainstreaming and socializing children and teens who have special needs, as many of them thrive through ‘body learning.’ We have created curricula which highlights the physical aspects of acting training. This type of work in the classroom, a few days a week, can really offer an opportunity for the children our society labels ADHD or on the Autism Spectrum to put their physical energy to good use, in service of their teachers' learning objectives.
Dramatic Structure
A comprehensive understanding of how the theatre works, how a play is created, story structure, how the professional theatre is structured from the inside out. Through devising, rehearsing and performing theatre and shooting films, our young artists come to understand the factors that go into a work of performing art. An understanding that will shape how they consume and appreciate entertainment for the rest of their lives, regardless of their chosen career path.
Helping Teachers
We help teachers incorporate theatre into their curricula which allows them to experience their students in a more positive way. Quite often the students who prove to be the most creative collaborators and enthusiastic actors are those who have behavioral issues; a great deal of young people are starved for ways to use their energy to positive effect - especially when the bulk of their education has asked them to sit still behind a desk.
Career Paths
The work of KCC gives teens access to career paths they may not have been aware of; not only as performing artists, but in production and technical theatre as well. We also offer internships and connect students with employment opportunities at colleagues' organizations.
Character Education
Collaboration, empathy, discipline, and self expression are the building blocks for personal and collective growth. These are at the heart of what we do with drama education and are more important than ever as our world becomes oriented around screens and computers.
Life Skills
Performance helps children and teens to share themselves and to present themselves with courage and dignity. These skills continue to be of service as they need to present material in schools and in college and job interviews. Making sure the young people we work with understand this practical application is a core component of the work KCC does.
KCC Diveristy, Equity, Inclusion Plan / Updated for 2025:
At Kids Creative Collective, Inc. (KCC) we focus on creating a welcoming, supportive, and representative space for all participants. KCC is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all of our artists - kids, teens and professionals alike - regardless of background, identity, or ability, feel welcome, valued, and empowered to express themselves through the performing arts. We break down the hierarchy of age, and treat our youngest actors with as much respect as our classically trained faculty.
Core Principles:
1. Representation Matters – We seek to include diverse voices in our productions, faculty, casting, leadership, and creative teams.
2. Access for All – We provide resources and accommodations to ensure that every child and teen can participate fully.
3. Respect & Belonging – We cultivate an environment of mutual respect, where differences are celebrated.
4. Continual Learning – We commit to ongoing education and improvement in DEI practices.
DEI Bullet Points:
In 2011 we established this 100% tution-free non profit, with theatre-making access to all NYC youth.
The foundation of our work is built on DEI. We work in the most under-resourced schools, libraries and communities in NYC. All of our programs are 100% tuition-free.
We have diverse faculty (ethnically, racially, in gender, in sexual orientation, fluent Spanish speakers, ranging in age from 23 to 72) .
Program Components:
1. Inclusive Casting & Production Practices
• Use open and identity-conscious casting to ensure diverse representation.
• On the first day of every project, whether in a classroom, after school, in a library, or in our private workshops, we create an agreement with our child and teen participants that outlines our zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, bullying, and harassment, to support others as one would wish to be supported, and includes anything else they feel is important to abide by as we work together.
• We create plays and films that reflect a range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
2. Accessibility & Accommodations
• Our workshops are tuition-free to remove financial barriers.
• Ensure venues and rehearsal spaces are physically accessible.
3. Anti-Discrimination & Safe Spaces
• Establish a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
• Implement confidential reporting channels for any issues related to inclusivity and safety.
4. Education & Training
• Partner with local DEI educators, artists, and community leaders for guest workshops.
5. Community Engagement & Outreach
• Build partnerships with BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disability advocacy groups to increase representation and support, including those clubs in the schools where we hold residences.
• Tickets to every KCC production are free or on a sliding scale, where audience can pay nothing.
• Offer mentorships, scholarships for higher education, part time jobs, and career opportunities for teens from historically excluded backgrounds.
6. Feedback & Accountability
• Conduct annual DEI surveys for participants, parents, and staff.
• Hold regular listening sessions where teens can share their experiences and ideas for improvement - after every production or series of workshops has ended we always have a party with food and where our student artists share what worked and what didn’t.
Implementation Plan: We monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.