Rosie O’Donnell Joins New York Children’s Theater Festival Advisory Board

Rosie O'Donnell has joined the advisory board of The New York Children's Theater Festival, it was announced today by Michael Shawn Lewis, co-founder of The Festival.

According to Lewis, "Rosie is an incredible addition to our advisory board. Her passion for theater, children's entertainment, and New York -- along with her generous spirit and theatrical knowledge -- are what the festival is all about. We are honored to have her here."

Rosie joins the board that includes recently announced members Thomas Schumacher (President of Disney Theatrical Group); Cheryl Henson (President, The Jim Henson Foundation); Kevin Clash (Elmo's Emmy-winning creator); Carole Demas (Broadway star, children's television icon); Michael Jung (Vice President, Theatrical Development, Walt Disney Imagineering); and John Tartaglia (Emmy Award nominee for Disney Channel's Johnny and the Sprites; Tony Award nominee for Avenue Q; Drama Desk Award nominee for John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean).

The New York Children's Theater Festival which began accepting submissions last month for its inaugural season, will provide a birthplace in New York City for new live children's entertainment from around the globe, and serve as a platform for writers and producers who are passionate about developing innovative theatrical experiences for children.

The New York Children's Theater Festival will premiere April 20, 2012 and run through May 5, 2012. It will feature three winning submissions who will produce their works for the New York City stage. Submissions are being accepted through December 20, 2011. Musicals, plays, puppetry, event presentations, and any other live theatrical form of children's entertainment are encouraged and welcome. Work that has been previously produced may also be submitted for consideration.

For submission details, visit www.newyorkchildrenstheaterfestival.org. Every submission will be read by a team of 30 industry professionals including artists, writers, producers and designers from leading national theaters, Broadway, and children's television.

The New York Children's Theater Festival is filing as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. More at www.newyorkchildrenstheaterfestival.org.