This summer, the historic Provincetown Playhouse at NYU once again buzzed with the creativity and excitement of theatre as Professor Gina Grandi spent her break immersed in the New Plays for Young Audiences (NPYA) series. This prestigious program, supported by NYU Steinhardt’s Program in Educational Theatre, has been a cornerstone for developing new works aimed at children, youth, and family audiences since its founding in 1998 by Lowell and Nancy Swortzell.
Gina Grandi's journey with NPYA began in the early 2000s when she first joined as a graduate student and actor. Over the years, her roles evolved, reflecting her growing expertise and passion for Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA). Since 2019, she has been the resident dramaturg for the series, a position that allows her to shape the future of TYA while maintaining a vital connection to her field.
Launching an Anthology and Fostering New Talent
This summer marks a significant milestone for Grandi as the anthology of plays she edited over the past year was launched during the NPYA series. Sponsored by TYA/USA, the event was a highlight of the summer, featuring a panel discussion with Grandi, playwright Laurie Brooks, and TYA/USA executive director Sara Morgulis. This anthology is a testament to Grandi's dedication and hard work, compiling some of the most innovative and impactful plays developed through the NPYA series.
The Role of NPYA in Educational Theatre
The NPYA series not only nurtures new scripts but also provides NYU students with invaluable hands-on experience. Students involved in the series have the opportunity to observe rehearsals, interact with playwrights, directors, and dramaturgs, and study the process of play development first-hand. This aligns perfectly with the goals of NYU’s Program in Educational Theatre, which encourages the testing of new ideas and methods within the field of TYA.
Grandi reads about one hundred submitted TYA plays each year, carefully selecting those that will contribute to the season’s success. These efforts ensure that she remains well-versed in current trends and patterns in the TYA world, knowledge that she passionately shares with her students. Her involvement in NPYA allows her to build connections with directors, playwrights, and actors, which in turn enriches her teaching and provides her students with a broader perspective on the industry.
Impacting Students and the Field of TYA
The significance of Grandi’s work extends beyond the immediate impact on the NPYA series. Her insights and connections make her an invaluable resource for students interested in performing with children's theaters or working in theatre company education departments. She advises honors projects focused on TYA dramaturgy and recently taught a special topics course on teaching artistry, closely tied to the TYA world.
Grandi's dual role as an educator and active professional in the field exemplifies the importance of higher education faculty maintaining close ties to their industries. This dynamic ensures that their teaching is informed by current practices and developments, thus preparing students to navigate and contribute to their chosen fields effectively.
A Legacy of Excellence
The NPYA series has developed dozens of new plays by leading playwrights, many of which have received national and international recognition, publication, and production. It continues to be a prize-winning platform that supports both emerging and established voices in TYA.
This summer's success, highlighted by the anthology launch and the ongoing series, is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of everyone involved. For Gina Grandi, it’s another chapter in a long-standing commitment to fostering new talent and enriching the field of Theatre for Young Audiences.
Reflecting on her experiences, Grandi notes, "This series gives me the opportunity to do a lot of hands-on work in the field, and that knowledge and those connections are a part of the bigger picture of who I am as an educator and a resource."
As the curtain falls on another summer at NPYA, the legacy of innovative educational theatre continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of theatre professionals and ensuring that the magic of storytelling for young audiences thrives.
About Theatre and Dance
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Theatre and Dance's mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region.
www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more about the college at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls 21,253 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Gina Grandi NYU
Gina Grandi NYU