PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jennifer D'Bella, Director of Education at Roundabout Theater Company, on Theatrical Workforce Development Program
1:42:32
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128 sec
Jennifer D'Bella, Director of Education at Roundabout Theater Company, testifies about the Theatrical Workforce Development Program (TWDP), a 3-year vocational training fellowship for young New Yorkers in technical theater. She highlights the program's success in addressing systemic inequities and industry needs while providing paid opportunities for underrepresented youth.
- TWDP trains up to 60 fellows annually, offering progressive skills development and job placements at over 50 partner organizations.
- The program has expanded to include 5 paid fellowships for early career arts administrators.
- With the city's partnership, TWDP has trained over 100 fellows, contributing to greater equity and sustainability in the theater industry.
UNKNOWN
1:42:32
Thank you, chair oh.
1:42:33
Uh-huh.
1:42:37
Thank you, chair Rivera, and members of the Cultural Affairs Committee for inviting me, Jacob, Manny, and Hannah to testify this morning, and thank you to miss commissioner Kumble for her continuing advocacy.
1:42:48
I'm Jennifer D'Bella, the director of education at Roundabout Theater Company.
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Today's hearing centers a topic I'm very passionate about, pathways to meaningful careers for New Yorkers.
1:42:58
The Theatrical Workforce Development Program, or TWDP, is a 3 year vocational training fellowship for New Yorkers ages 18 to 24.
1:43:07
Roundabout created TWDP in 2016 in partnership with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
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TWDP addresses systemic inequities within the arts workforce by supporting pathways for young people who are underrepresented in technical theater.
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It also addresses an urgent need within the theater industry for trained technical theater workers.
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Each year, TWDP trains up to 60 fellows for careers in technical theater.
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They complete a rigorous curriculum of progressive skills development along with job placements at a network of over 50 partner organizations.
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They earn wages through all 3 years of the program, and their rates increase as they gain experience.
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Based on the program's success, we expanded TWDP this year to include 5 paid fellowships for early career arts administrators like Jacob, who is with us today.
1:43:59
The most important contributions to TWDP's success come from the fellows themselves.
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Through their hard work, talent, and passion, they have turned TWDP into a nationally recognized incubator for in demand technicians.
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They have given the American theater a boost during a time of precarity and put our industry on a path to greater equity and sustainability.
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Theater is essential to New York City's identity, and TWDP connects our industry with the local talent it needs to thrive.
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With the city's partnership, TWDP has trained over a 100 fellows.
1:44:33
I'm so grateful to be here today celebrating that with you, and I'm excited to pass the mic to Manny and Jacob and Hannah.
1:44:39
Thank you.