The PROJcast

A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with young people (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings them together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film, and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults.

50. Playmakers Provide A BREATH OF FRESH AIR 04/01/2024

50. Playmakers Provide A BREATH OF FRESH AIR “To meet new kids and just write a play, which is like a totally, just awesome experience to have." - Milo, age 11. Our current production A BREATH OF FRESH AIR, The Breezy Plays, is fresher than springtime. Listen to the young members discuss their inspiration for the new show. Then get your free tickets for the performances this Friday to Sunday, April 5, 6, & 7. If you can’t be with us in person in NYC you can catch the live stream on our YouTube Channel. - - - - - Project Members: Atif, Eliza, Grace, Isaac, Lola, Makiyah, Milo & Selena. The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/30629793

49. Writers & Performers of SKELETON IN THE CLOSET 02/06/2024

49. Writers & Performers of SKELETON IN THE CLOSET “I just look forward to coming here everyday. Or even the days I can’t, it’s nice just to think about here." - Xavier, age 13. Our current production SKELETON IN THE CLOSET, The Secretive Plays, is all about what’s below the surface. So venture Behind the Pencil with these Playback creators and performers. Then get your free tickets for the performances this Friday to Sunday, February 9, 10, & 11. If you can’t be with us in person in NYC you can catch the live stream on our YouTube Channel. - - - - - Project Members: Ayah, Edgar, Elisa, Faith, Hannah, Logan, Loyal, & Xavier. The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/52ndStProject/ & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/29830258

48. Playmakers of FOOD FOR THOUGHT 12/06/2023

48. Playmakers of FOOD FOR THOUGHT “One thing is, don’t be rude to others, because in The 52nd Street Project, we don’t want to be rude." - Angela, age 11. New Behind the Pencil interviews with the Project members who have created our latest sold-out production FOOD FOR THOUGHT, The Scrumptious Plays, this Friday to Sunday, December 8, 9, 10. If you can’t be with us in person in NYC you can catch the live stream on our YouTube Channel. - - - - - Project Members: Aidan, Angela, Cataleya, Julian, Mamadou, Naresa, Shaddai, & Walter. The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/28962408

47. Tuning In The Songmakers 10/24/2023

47. Tuning In The Songmakers “I want them to get that feeling, that excited, groovy feeling." - Josiah, age 9. We have a new version of Behind the Pencil that we’re calling Behind the Keyboard. Five Project members have created a bunch of new songs for our Songmaking Concert, TUNE IN, this Friday, October 27, 7:30pm in our Five Angels Theater Free tickets to the show are available at - If you can’t be with us in person in NYC you can catch the live stream on our YouTube Channel. - - - - - Project Members: Angel, Anthony, Bella, Jaelannie, & Josiah. The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/28413347

46. "Mid" History with Logan & John 07/19/2023

46. "Mid" History with Logan & John “We were just strangers - now we’re bestest of friends" - Logan, age 11. Our final Smart Partner conversation from the 2022-2023 school year. This time we’re featuring Logan and his SP John Manolis. Logan is a cast member of our current production ON THE MOVE, Plays That Will Transport You. Free tickets to the show are available at https://52ndstproject.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket - - - - - Project Member: Logan The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/27511965

45. Looking Into the EYE OF THE STORM 05/31/2023

45. Looking Into the EYE OF THE STORM “Even the most difficult, challenging one was still something I loved" - Xavier, age 16. Our Teen Ensemble is getting ready to share the full-length show that they’ve devised, EYE OF THE STORM, the Friday & Saturday, June 2 & 3, as the culmination of their time with the Project. Here three of the cast members share their memories and inspirations from being Project members. Free tickets to the show are available at https://52ndstproject.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket - - - - - Project Members: Amirah, Christian, & Xavier. The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/27006339

44. The Nature of Time with Sarah & Lynne 05/18/2023

44. The Nature of Time with Sarah & Lynne "It’s so strange how my perception and understanding of time as a concept has changed" - Sarah, age 15. In a follow-up to the previous episode of the PROJcast, Smart Partners & Amazing Racers Sarah & Lynne reflect on their years-long partnership, their feelings about the Project, and perhaps most importantly, who’s going to win the race this year. - - - - - Project Member: Sarah with her Smart Partner Lynne Marie Rosenberg. The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/26881551

43. My Amazing Ice Cream Achievement 05/11/2023

43. My Amazing Ice Cream Achievement "I think I might have to go to the newspaper companies about this story" - Katty, age 10. The Smart Partner Amazing Race is on, and our first pair to record a conversation for the podcast are Katty & Adaire. Listen to their recounting of adventures in plumbing, arcades, ice cream and the subway. - - - Project Member: Katty with her Smart Partner Adaire Kamen (Instagram: @AdaireKamen, Twitter: @TruthAdaire). The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/52ndStProject/ & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/26813517

42. Splish Splash Playmakers - Behind the Pencil 03/28/2023

42. Splish Splash Playmakers - Behind the Pencil "It’s pretty cool to make your imagination just blop out." - Josiah, age 9. Our latest Playmaking production A WHALE OF A TALE, Plays That Make A Splash, is here. In this episode you can listen to the Playmakers who created the show. The production will have a hybrid presentation, live and in-person, as well as streaming on our YouTube channel, on Friday, March 31 @ 7:30 PM, Saturday, April 1 @ 3 PM, & Sunday, April 2 @ 3 PM Visit for your reservation. - - - - - Project Members: Diana, Jaelanni, Jason, Josiah, Kat, & Zion The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/26367318

41. Zany Playmakers - Behind the Pencil 12/07/2022

41. Zany Playmakers - Behind the Pencil "Every time you see them, or you see anyone here, it’s just like, happy-mode is just on." - Samaria, age 9. Our latest Playmaking production OFF THE WALL, The Zany Plays, is here. In this episode you can listen to the Playmakers who created the show. The production will have a hybrid presentation, live and in-person, as well as streaming, on Friday, December 9 @ 7:30 PM and Saturday, December 10 @ 3 & 7:30 PM. Visit for your reservation. - - - - - Project Members: Angel, Bella, Chloe, Emily, Jose, Khloe, Mateo, & Samaria The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. The 52nd Street Project is supported by The Altman Foundation, & The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/25258167

40. Spring 2022 Playmakers 03/28/2022

40. Spring 2022 Playmakers "I just want to stop by and say a happy, ‘Hi!’." - Logan, age 9. Our latest Playmaking production PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS, The Priceless Plays, is here. In this episode you can listen to the Playmakers who created the show. The production will have a hybrid presentation, live and in-person, as well as streaming, on Friday, April 1 @ 7:30 PM and Saturday, April 2 @ 3 & 7:30 PM. Visit for your reservation. - - - - - Project Members: Alyssa, Anthony, Christiana, Isabella, Logan, Oliver, & Ramsis. The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, & Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson). - - - - - A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with children (ages 9 - 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults. The 52nd Street Project is supported by The Altman Foundation, & The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation. - - - - - Connect with us! Website: 52project.org Facebook: & https://www.facebook.com/PROJcast Twitter: @52ndstreetproject Instagram: @52ndstreetproject You can support our work by going to 52project.org/donate. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/22598822

39. The Writers of “Piece of Cake, The Slice of Life Plays” 12/08/2021

39. The Writers of “Piece of Cake, The Slice of Life Plays” "I didn't know what was gonna be in store for me...and then I really came to love this place." - Giovanni, age 10. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/21424277

38. The Writers of Walking on Sunshine Step Two 08/16/2021

38. The Writers of Walking on Sunshine Step Two "I’m looking forward to find friends. I’m just looking forward to have the best life here" - Valerie, age 9. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/20161058

37. The Writers of "Walking on Sunshine, Step One" 08/09/2021

37. The Writers of "Walking on Sunshine, Step One" "You take your imagination to another place that you’ve never been to. It’s like another universe ...of you." - Gloria, age 9. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/20084192

36. Radiologues 04/16/2021

36. Radiologues "You have to admit that you're different, as well. Can we be different together and make music?" - Jai-Lyzz, age 11. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/18753317

35. The Writers of "Smoke & Mirrors, Part II" 03/17/2021

35. The Writers of "Smoke & Mirrors, Part II" “It’s really cool to come here because you get to let out your feelings after school.” - Khailey, age 9. /episode/index/show/projcast/id/18369743

The Teens of ME & U. 02/18/2021

The Teens of ME & U. “I’m less bored than I used to be. Because in middle school, I would tell myself I was bored 24/7. I’ve only been bored one day this whole year because I stopped telling myself, ‘I’m bored.’” - Darby, age 16 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/18004337

33. Escape the Drama (Songmaking songs) 02/05/2021

33. Escape the Drama (Songmaking songs) “I want to be who I am. I want to be free, free, free. I just want to be free.” - Antonella, age 11 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/17840432

32. The Writers of "SMOKE & MIRRORS, Part I" 01/15/2021

32. The Writers of "SMOKE & MIRRORS, Part I" “It’s okay to speak up for yourself ... even if you’re going through some stuff.” - Faith, age 10 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/17566232

31. Family, Late Nights, & Baking 01/06/2021

31. Family, Late Nights, & Baking “Mixin’ it, riskin’ it, creatin’ it!” Ayah, age 10 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/17449910

30. Karen Looks for the Truth 10/13/2020

30. Karen Looks for the Truth “I don’t think it’s impossible to heal yourself from that trauma, and take that good stuff that you learned and continue on.” Ariel Estrada, Actor, Project volunteer /episode/index/show/projcast/id/16386212

29. Chyanne Talks Mental Health 09/21/2020

29. Chyanne Talks Mental Health “What is some advice you can offer people during Covid-19?” Chyanne, age 18 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/16094828

28. Sofia on Film 09/02/2020

28. Sofia on Film “Do you see being younger as a disadvantage in the film industry?” Sofia, age 18 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/15855500

27. Kai & His Mom 08/14/2020

27. Kai & His Mom “Compared to your past hardships, where would you rank the Corona virus right now?” Kai, age 17 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/15613268

26. Game Changers (Bonus) 05/15/2020

26. Game Changers (Bonus) A quick update about our online gala: Game Changers, Celebrating Two Key Players - Crystal Dickinson & Brandon Dirden. We're entering our last week - visit: give.52project.org/GameChangers /episode/index/show/projcast/id/14436569

25. It's A Rabbit Jungle Out There 05/01/2020

25. It's A Rabbit Jungle Out There “We’re just here to help with the rabbit.” - Derek, age 14 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/14236766

24. Sparring Partners (Round 2) 04/10/2020

24. Sparring Partners (Round 2) “I mean, at the end, it’s always going to feel like it goes by quick.” - Carlos, age 13 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/13938980

23. Sparring Partners (Part I) 04/02/2020

23. Sparring Partners (Part I) “I liked it because I got to beat you up.” - Carlos, age 13 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/13822820

22. Here to Stay 03/24/2020

22. Here to Stay “...‘Cause New York is here to stay, and just won’t go away.” - Jayleen, age 16 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/13686032

21. Love & Heartbreak 02/11/2020

21. Love & Heartbreak “Then I got into a relationship and another part of me came out that I didn’t know about myself” - Tiniah, age 18 /episode/index/show/projcast/id/13115171

The PROJcast

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