Day 192: Our Time Theatre

Today’s give goes out to another theater company working to improve the lives of children. Our Time focuses on working with young people who stutter, and give them a place to explore their creativity without ridicule. This can be a very powerful experience and can help improve self esteem and build a community for these affected youths. I also have to commend one of my favorite actors, Paul Rudd, for being a vocal board member for Our Time.

Based in New York City, Our Time Theatre Company is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing an artistic home for young people who stutter. Our Time offers an environment free from ridicule where young people who stutter discover the joy of creating and performing original theatre and music. There is no audition for prospective members, no performance experience necessary, and Our Time serves its company members free of charge. Usually kids come back to Our Time year after year, fostering a feeling of community and family.

The Our Time company is comprised of young people who stutter ages 8-18, who study acting, singing, playwriting, drumming, and dance with professional artists. Exercising these skills, the company members create original plays and music which they perform in New York City and around the world. Through its performances, Our Time educates people about the challenges and misconceptions of stuttering using theatre as a tool to demonstrate the vast capabilities of a group of people that is often misunderstood. At the same time, Our Time’s message of listening, understanding, acceptance, and unconditional love transcends the boundaries of the specific issue of stuttering, motivating audiences to appreciate and celebrate everyone’s unique voice.

Amount Donated: $10

To support Our Time Theatre, please visit: http://www.ourtimestutter.org