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NYC theater kids: Lincoln Center library has a stage just for you

Athena Celine Caasi
The Library of Performing Arts Teen Theater Ensemble wrote and performed “Tales from the 1 Train: A Play in Several Stops” last May, at the end of the after-school program’s first year. The student theater group is gearing up for a sophomore season, meeting weekly throughout the school year in the Harvey Fierstein Theater Lab. In the spring, they’ll perform a new original play in the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center. Photo courtesy of Brendan Leonard/New York Public Library

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is bringing back its Teen Theatre Ensemble for a second year, and applications are now open.

Throughout the 2026-27 school year, high school students will meet at the library’s Harvey Fierstein Theater Lab in Lincoln Center (111 Amsterdam Ave.) every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Prior theater experience is not required. Applications are due on Aug. 28.

Whether you’re into acting, directing, designing or theater history, this is your chance to meet with industry professionals, and have open access to the expansive collection of the library to create a show from scratch.

Last year’s inaugural production was titled “Tales from the 1 Train: A Play in Several Stops,” and was presented in May.

Head to The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts  to submit your application, or reach out to eductation and outreach director Brendan Leonard at brendanleonard@nypl.org with questions.

Here’s a video invite from Leonard to join the cohort for this school year.

Athena Caasi is a rising senior at Lower East Side Preparatory High School. She is a part of the journalism class and club at her school, and has written articles on issues ranging from facilities and policy changes to school events.

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