BNW Program Dates

Mentor Children and Be a Member of Our Award-Winning Theatre Program

Builders of the New World, now in its 30th year, brings together professionals across all industries to provide a safe creative haven of stability for NYC children residing in temporary housing facilities.

Bring your heart and commitment to mentor children in our award-winning theatre and education after-school program that has served over 10,000 homeless children and their families, and partnered with over 20 housing facilities, since 1995.

Our program helps at-risk students express their voice, see beyond their current circumstances, and envision a positive future. And they need you to reach their full potential!

Our six-month program includes 10 weeks of life-changing creative classes for the children taught by ATW’s Artistic Director and Founder Thurman E. Scott, family-style meals we enjoy together at each session, holiday classes, and a final performance for the community.

ATW’s Mentorship program provides you and your colleagues (either as a team or individuals) with the opportunity to support and nurture 7-13 year old children in a safe, creative environment. Our program will enable you to serve the community while growing and gaining new skills and insights—enhance team building, improve inter-group communication skills, address diversity issues with compassion and expansive thinking, and develop creative expression through a deeply rewarding shared experience.

How to Become a BNW Mentor:

Dedicate your time, passion, and expertise and help us serve children in need!

1. Each potential Mentor will attend a Virtual Info and Interview Session after completing the Individual Mentor Application. To apply as a team, please provide initial information through our Corporate Inquiry form.
2. Participate in two creative training sessions with ATW’s Artistic Director and Founder, Thurman E. Scott
3. Mentor the children during weekly Spring 2025 classes
4. Mentors will also use their professional expertise as part of a production team:
   • Event planning
   • Outreach – Social Media, PR
   • Graphics
   • Production
   • Food Donations
   • Fundraising
   • Writing
   • Videography & Photography
   • Administration
   • In-Kind donations
5. Team actions take place every week

Spring 2025

Mentor Admission Period:

• April – May 2025

April – May 2025

• Info and Interview Sessions for New Team Members
  • Dates to be announced
• Acceptance into the program
• Join teams and begin working in key project areas
• Attend a mandatory Creative Training Class
  • Date to be announced

May – June 2025

• Mentor in Children’s Classes
  • Classes meet every Tuesday, May 27th to June 17th from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• Weekly Program Production Activities
  • Mentors participate in weekly production activities as available
• Rehearsals for Children’s Performance
  • Saturday, June 14th, 2:30pm – 5:30pm
  • Saturday, June 21st, 2:30pm – 5:30pm
• Production Prep before Children’s Performance
• Children’s Performance and Fundraiser
  • Tuesday, June 24th, 5:00pm – 9:30pm
• Program Follow-Up, BNW Mandatory Program Evaluation Session
  • Thursday, June 26th, 4:00pm – 8:00pm

Other Ways to Get Involved

There are many other ways to get involved in ATW’s Spring Season

• Join our set-up and food team and help prepare for the weekly classes and serve delicious meals to the children
• Type up the children’s stories and organize artwork
• Set-up for the Builders of the New World Graduation, Tuesday, June 24th

Our Builders of the New World program helps at-risk students express their voice, see beyond their current circumstances, and envision a positive future.
And they need you to reach their full potential!

Volunteer Today

For Corporate inquiries, fill out our Corporate Inquiry form to set up an Information Session. All inquiries are welcome, email us at outreach@actorstheatreworkshop.org or call (212) 947-1386.