The Purpose of Theater in Our Schools

Through theater that fosters creative expression, discipline, collaboration, self-awareness and personal transformation, students of diverse backgrounds and abilities channel their energies into inspired artistic endeavors. Students engaged in Theater Making learn to respect differing perspectives while valuing the literary, oral, cultural traditions of societies. They learn multiple ways to express themselves, cultivate identity and develop empathy for others’ circumstances. Teaching and learning in theater develop confident learners, better prepared to participate actively in their education and contribute to their community.

PETER AVERY, DIRECTOR OF THEATER

Peter Avery is the Director of Theater for the New York City Department of Education--focused on the significant impact a dedicated theater education has for all youth, their teachers and school communities in the nation's largest public school system. Avery prioritizes producing innovative theater programs focused on youth artistry, access, equity, and inclusion for NYC public school students of all ages and abilities.

A few of the dynamic initiatives he has launched include the Shubert High School Theatre Festival on Broadway, the international Digital Theatre Project, the Arthur Miller Foundation Teacher Fellowship Program and New York City's first ever All IN(clusive) All-City Theatre Ensemble for teens of all backgrounds and abilities who collectively compose and produce an original musical together. A leading voice in the field of theater education, Avery presents nationally and internationally, studying theater in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2017 as one of seven international artists to receive the Likhachev Foundation Fellowship. With professional experience directing and working in nonprofit theaters, teaching at universities, leading the theater education charge in government, and partnering with Broadway, Avery brings a unique ability to create space for diverse perspectives, producing lasting programs that serve current youth and communities as well as those not yet served.

CALLIE MCGLONE, ARTS EDUCATION CONSULTANT

Callie McGlone has served as the Arts Program Manager for Music & Theater for over 7 years.  She is proud to have supported the many theater and music initiatives the Office of Arts & Special Projects (OASP) has produced, including the Summer Arts Institute, The Digital Theater Project, All-City Music Program, and the annual Citywide Professional Learning Series. 

A graduate of Drexel University, she began her career as a booking agent for local musicians in the Philadelphia area, which earned her a role as a touring operations manager for a national booking agency for jazz artists. She then helped to restore and revitalize “The Washington at Historic Yellow Springs”, a non-profit arts center and special events space. After moving to New York City, Callie joined the OASP team and now advocates for arts education for students across the five boroughs. 

DARYL EMBRY, THEATER PROJECT COORDINATOR

Daryl Embry's work within the NYCDOE includes Production Management for the Summer Arts Institute and the Shubert High School Theatre Festival, and Program Management for the Arthur Miller Foundation Theater Education Programs. As a theater designer, Daryl's work has been seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, and at NYU as a resident scenic and lighting designer.

Daryl is a founding member and director of NYU's Shakespeare To Go. Co-creative director of The Ride from 2012-2017 (Drama Desk Nomination: Unique Theatrical Experience). Member of Actors Equity and SAG/AFTRA appearing off-Broadway, in regional theater, commercials, and TV.

KAYLA JACKMON, ALL IN THEATER COORDINATOR

Kayla Jackmon is a teaching artist, actor, and business manager with a love for arts education and ensemble-based work. She currently serves as teaching artist and business manager with Opening Act, centering students of color through free theater programming. Through Opening Act, she was the Middle School Theatre Studio Teaching Artist with the Arts Office’s Summer Arts Institute and is currently a facilitator for the Citywide Theatre Professional Learning/PD Series and the Theater Coordinator for the All IN(clusive) All-City Theatre Ensemble. She has trained with The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Stand Up for Shakespeare initiative and Marquis Studios. As an actor, Kayla has performed at La Mama, the Humana Festival, and is an alumni of the Actors Theatre of Louisville Acting Apprenticeship. kaylajackmon.com

JANIE SLAVENS, PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR THE NATIONAL THEATRE COLLECTION INITIATIVE

Janie is an artist, educator, and administrator. In her decade-long career as a performer, Janie appeared in many regional productions and was featured on two national tours. She then moved into directing in regional theaters. For the past 12 years, Janie has worked in theater education. She spent 10 years as a classroom drama and dance teacher, 4 of those as the department chair for a K-12 performing arts program. Janie received her MSEd from CCNY’s excellent Educational Theater program in 2020 and moved into arts administration and consulting full-time. She spent the last year working in youth services as the Arts Education Manager at St. Nicks Alliance and writing original arts integration curricula for several programs. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Gender Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University. As an educator and administrator, Janie values storytelling from all voices, deep listening, and finding magic in unexpected places. A student of Dr. Jenn Katona’s at CCN, she has been delighted to reconnect with her in the professional world through 3 Looms. In addition to this work on the National Theatre Collection project, she is the Project Manager for the Arthur Miller Foundation’s first program outside of NYC in Bridgeport, CT. Her oldest child is a kindergartner at PS 20 in Brooklyn. Janie is excited to support the excellent public school teachers of NYC through this project.

KATHARINE STROBEL, THEATER PROJECT COORDINATOR

Katharine Strobel has worked in the arts education field in New York City for over 10 years and identifies as a member of the disabled community. A graduate of Fordham University, she has had the privilege to work with many theater companies and arts organizations across the United States and United Kingdom.


She currently serves as a Theater Coordinator, helping produce the innovative Shubert/MTI Broadway Junior Outreach program for the New York City Department of Education’s Arts Office. She is also the Co-chair of the Programming Committee for the New York City Arts in Education Roundtable. In addition to being an arts administrator, educator and advocate, Katharine is also a trained ballet dancer, singer, and actor.