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For Immediate Release                                                                                  

CONTACT: “Mike” Simons
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YOUTH THEATRE INTERACTIONS ANNOUNCES ADDITION TO DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Westchester Non Profit Names Paul Kwame Johnson Advanced Acting teacher and Director of “Intimate Realities”

Yonkers, NY ---Youth Theatre Interactions (YTI), a nonprofit after school organization dedicated to promoting a productive future for children of Westchester County through the medium of a performing arts education, welcomes Paul Kwame Johnson as its Advanced Acting Teacher/Director of the “Intimate Realities” Teen Touring Company.  Johnson, known as “Kwame”, is a Danforth Scholar who holds a B.A., M.F.A. in Theatre Arts from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y.  He has a lifelong background in theater and has received a number of prestigious community and theater awards. Under Mamie Duncan0-Gibbs, Executive/Artistic Director, Johnson will restructure YTI’s “Intimate Realities” drama program, a teen touring company performing topical plays relevant to the lives of today’s young adults.

Johnson is no stranger to YTI.  He was one of the organization’s founders and the creator of the “Intimate Realities” program.  Although Johnson left to pursue other opportunities in the dramatic arts, he has always felt a kinship with the organization and shares the pursuit of excellence YTI seeks to inspire in all of its students.

“YTI is honored that Paul Kwame Johnson is returning to bring his creative teaching skills to our drama division,” said Mamie Duncan-Gibbs. “Since many of our students have expressed a keen interest in drama, it’s important they receive the best instruction possible. Kwame has dedicated himself to theatre arts and promises to take our “Intimate Realities” program to a new level while motivating, re-invigorating and inspiring our drama students. “

Johnson will work with Mamie Duncan-Gibbs to promote the Teen Touring troupe. They plan to stage an “Intimate Realties” play at an Off-Broadway theatre and will have the company perform at other youth organizations throughout Westchester County. Students 12 years and older are eligible for the program and must pass an audition to be accepted.  Students who pass auditions will receive advanced teaching instruction.

Aside from dramatics, YTI exposes its students should be exposed to a number of performing arts. The organization offers young people aged 6-19 years old the opportunity to learn everything from Ballet to Tap, Ethnic dance to Hip-hop jazz, Vocal Choir to Musical instruments, Steel Drum and African Percussion.  A YTI mandate is that all classes are taught by experienced, professional performing artists.  A small registration fee of $50.00 per trimester is required for each student.  

According to Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, “YTI promotes discipline, self-confidence and critical thinking in our young people through the medium of the performing arts. When our students perform, they experience pride in accomplishment and a boost in their self-esteem. They learn that a successful performance demands teamwork and commitment…all factors that drive success and help make our children positive contributors to their communities”

Youth Theatre Interactions, Inc. is located in Yonkers, NY. For additional information about the organization, please visit the website at www.ytiyonkers.org.

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