Shirley Taylor

The Education Program focuses on four distinct areas of learning and engagement: residencies, workshops and tours for schools; curriculum materials aligned to state and national learning standards and study guides derived from the Theater’s history; career development for teens and adults through the Apollo Theater Academy; and discussions and lectures for the public that highlight the history of the Apollo and its impact on American art, culture and entertainment. CONTACT US “….the Apollo probably exerted a greater influence upon popular culture than any other entertainment venue in the world. For Blacks, it was the most important cultural institution–not just the greatest Black theatre, but a special place to come of age emotionally, professionally, socially, and politically.” Ted Fox, “Showtime at the Apollo”

 

 

Mind-Builders Announces Harlem’s Shirley Taylor As New Executive Director

It’s hard to believe, but December 12th marked my six-month anniversary as the new Executive Director of Mind-Builders. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the organization and its community.
As many of you know, immediately prior to coming to Mind-Builders, I was at the Apollo Theater, serving as head of their Education department, which I helped to establish in 2006. Prior to the Apollo, I enjoyed a decades-long career in the arts and arts education, from ArtsConnection, to the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning in southeastern Queens, and University Settlement House on Manhattan’s lower east side. The value of education, knowledge, and culture are vital to me and were always stressed in my family and community. As a young person growing up in NYC, I had access to the arts. It shaped and molded me and gave me refuge and hope. At Mind-Builders, I am privileged to pass this on to hundreds of students we engage with every year.
Mind-Builders is an extraordinary place. I feel fortunate to be here. There are few places where a person can arrive in the morning to the sound of preschoolers learning to play violin in a Suzuki technique class, and then see dozens of students rushing into the building after school to take theater, dance or music classes. To glance out the window to see our pre-schoolers playing in our beautiful new playground or our teens laser-focused in dance and theater classes, brings me untold delight. Over the past months, I have seen the growth of our inter-generational Stage Band, which just started a wonderful monthly Jazz Night concert series. Our annual Kwanzaa celebration was held last week to a standing room only audience.”

 

 

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 ~ LINKS 

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-taylor-60a8764

https://barnard.edu/news/apollo-theater

https://www.facebook.com/apollotheatereducationprogram/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARBcPSgPPlnX0BoTgspHE5dnyJ2an6ZWVl2EZn0wO3olcfRoVZ0KPRk0GWsHDUJ-tTm5UsSIdTEy8JlB    

http://www.womenofcolorinthearts.org