MISSION 

The Chain Links Program was founded on the belief that young people should have the opportunity to tell stories that are meaningful to them. While their imaginations burn the brightest, they are rarely given a platform to perform outside of well-loved but outdated manuscripts, which don’t reflect the world kids see outside their windows. Our academy offers a safe and nurturing space for young people to express their thoughts, fears, and hopes about the complex and ever-changing world they will soon inherit. This is all done under the supervision of working theatre professionals who help them hone their gifts to create high-level presentations for family, friends, and the city at large.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Located in the heart of our theatre-crazed city, Chain Links is a performance-based enrichment program dedicated to telling stories by young people for all to enjoy. Our after school classes not only teach performance skills, but also seek to unlock our students' creativity by allowing them the space to author their own stories for the stage. You won’t see Mary Poppins or Peter Pan, and almost certainly no princesses will be asked to kiss any frogs during our end-of-term performances. These will be 100% original  student-generated works, made under the guidance of our talented teaching artist. Our kids are the most creative people we know—now they have a stage to tell their stories!

A PLACE FOR ALL

Chain Links believes all students should have access to a safe place to express themselves.  While in our care, no student will be asked to endure any harassment or bullying, including--and especially--based on their race, ethnicity, gender or gender preference, or sexual orientation. Any such incidents will be dealt with immediately and transparently. 

LINKS BUDDIES PROGRAM 

In addition to exploring grant and funding opportunities that help advance the equity mission of our program, we ask that those who are able consider making a tax-deductible donation of an additional tuition that will be used to ensure a student who otherwise would not be able can access the program. Thank you for helping us in this important mission!

Founded in 2010, Chain Theatre is a not for profit 501(C)3 theatre company with two theatre venues in Midtown Manhattan. A production company whose goal is to create artistic work that is accessible, relatable, and invokes a visceral response in the audience through the mediums of theatre and film. We provide opportunities for New York based artists to experience challenging subject matters and universal themes. A deep respect for the narrative is the driving force behind the cultivation of original texts, the further investigation of recently produced work, and the reclaiming of existing classics for a modern audience. The material chosen focuses on the cyclical nature of history and complexity of the human spirit. The Chain provides professional platforms for new artists and true independent filmmakers to showcase their work and to share their personal stories and original ideas in our communities. Chain has worked with Tony winners and received numerous nominations/awards for Best Revival, Best Director, and Best Cast, by NYIT and Queens Kudos Awards.

The Chain also produces play festival competitions, international film festivals, comedy events, parody readings, and screenings of cult classics and cinema favorites.