What is 3T?
3T is the educational, inspirational wing of Naked Angels Theater Company. In 2010, when her daughters were in public school, founding member and Artistic Director, Jean Marie McKee, noticed that public schools were no longer offering creative writing classes. She and Naked Angels set out to remedy this by creating the 3T Program.
Now in its 13th year, 3T goes all over NYC, bringing free creative arts workshops to public schools, District 79 alternative schools, and youth in foster care. 3T is a place where students can be as creative as they want to be, and have an outlet to tell their own stories in an encouraging and fun atmosphere. At 3T, we believe that everyone should have the ability to tell their own story, which has the power to transform us and expand our relationship with ourselves, and the world.
3T Workshops featured on NYC's own television channel PIX11!
Follow us on Instagram: @nakedangelsnyc
"So proud of this program — 3T Writing Workshops — and everything they do. If you know me, you know it is my favorite thing to do. Such an honor to be a part of this program and work alongside incredible TA’s and talented youth!"
— Macarena Ramos (3T Teaching Artist)
What happens at a 3T Writing Workshop?
Our core workshop in the 3T Program is our Writing Workshop.
In a typical 3T Workshop, students see their written work brought to life by a diverse team of professional actors. After icebreakers and community building theater games, our team of 2-4 Teaching Artists engage the students in fun writing exercises where they are encouraged to write a scene, story, or poem. When students hear their work performed out loud, it is an empowering experience that leaves everyone transformed.
Feedback about 3T Writing Workshops,
from students and staff in foster care:
"Thank you, this was really great.
I was in a really bad mood and I didn’t want to come,
but I feel so much better now."
— Anthony (after a 3T Writing Workshop),
Outreach House
“This is the best program we have ever had.”
— Kalief Purrier (about 3T Workshops for the
young men aging out of foster care),
recreation specialist at Sheltering Arms,
McMurray House
"You guys really give us a place to just create and have fun."
— Alonzo, resident at Chelsea Foyer
"This was so much fun, can’t wait to go back!"
— Say (after attending Tuesdays@9), resident at Chelsea Foyer
"It’s cool. Wish it was longer."
— Elma, Restart Euphrasian
"It was fun! I want to be a writer. Come more often."
— Monae, Restart Euphrasian
A 3T Writing Workshop is typically 90 minutes, but we can provide alternative time frames to accommodate various schools and residences alike! Our maximum capacity is 20 students per workshop, but smaller groups of 8-10 students are preferable so each student receives individualized attention. We are flexible and we make it work!
Our only requirement is a space where everyone can move around in. We will provide the rest: pencils, paper, etc.
Since its inception, 3T has traveled to public schools throughout NYC’s five boroughs, working with students in grades K-12. We also can accommodate multi-language learners, as some of our TAs speak various languages. Our TAs also have experience working with students with various needs and learning disabilities, providing alternative ways of storytelling, such as drawing and spoken word.
3T Creative Workshops
Our work with students in foster care and alternative District 79 schools is an essential part of 3T’s mission to provide an outlet for creativity and community, regardless of conditions or circumstance. 3T regularly frequents group homes, residential treatment centers, and halfway houses treating youth who are aging out of the child welfare system. We provide a range of Creative Workshops for this older cohort of students, including workshops in acting, voice-over, poetry, and improvisation. Let us know what creative practice your students are curious or passionate about and we’ll bring in an expert!
Thank you to Culture for One, our wonderful partner in bringing the arts to children in foster care.