TV Exclusive: Rosie's Theater Kids Make Some Noise in Rehearsals for Spring Benefit!

In just under a month, Rosie's Theater Kids will present PASSING IT ON: An Evening of Mentorship taking place on Sunday, March 24 at 7:00 PM at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues). As the kids get ready for the big day, we're taking you inside rehearsals!

This annual spring benefit performance features performances by Rosie's Theater Kids students and their professional mentors. 2019's PASSING IT ON mentors will include Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller; honorary Tony Award winner and theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni; director/choreographer and Broadway veteran Julio Monge; Broadway choreographer Chase Brock; choreographer and HAMILTON cast member Karla Garcia; singer and actress Nikki Kimbrough; master teacher, choreographer, dancer and company member with Dorrance Dance Claudia Rahardjanoto; director/choreographer Adam Cates; stage and screen writers Michael Kooman (music) and Chris Dimond (lyrics); and singer/songwriter Sally Taylor is the founder of Consenses,, an arts curriculum in which students collaborate to create 'Consenses Interpretive Chains.'

Tickets range from $200 for VIP, premium seating and access to VIP reception to follow at the Harold Pratt House, to $75 for performance only. They can be purchased through the box office at the Kaye Playhouse (68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues), online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/34951/production/1005681, or by calling 212-772-4448.

RTKids was launched in 2003 at PS 51, a Title I public school bordering on the theater district where students would walk by Broadway theaters daily, and never have the opportunity to go inside. Rosie noticed this, and thought it was, "...like living in Hawaii, and never having access to the beach." Together with Rosie, Artistic and Executive Director Lori Klinger developed PS Broadway - RTKids foundational program. In 2003, all 40 fifth graders at PS 51 participated in 15 weeks of singing and dancing training, and every single fifth grader went to see their first Broadway show - all free of charge.

Over the years since its debut, RTKids has blossomed into much more than simply a song and dance venue. The dedication and inspiration of its expert staff and generosity of its guest Broadway professionals have yielded truly remarkable results. Today, RTKids services have expanded to include ACTE II (A Commitment to Excellence), which includes performing arts instruction, life skills development, academic tutoring, and college and financial aid guidance and support at Maravel Arts Center, RTKids home just west of the theater district.