[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 183 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 23, 2016

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to the York Theatre Company as they celebrate the inauguration 
of their new theatre seats. Founded by Janet Hayes Walker in 1969, the 
York Theatre Company produces nearly 200 musical theatre performances 
each year, reaching over 37,000 patrons. The York Theatre is an 
incredible company that makes musical theatre accessible to New Yorkers 
of all ages and backgrounds.
  The unique mission of the York Theatre Company is two-fold as it 
aspires to produce new musical works, as well as rediscover musicals of 
the past. The York Theatre hosts several programs and activities that 
encourage musical theatre students to engage in Off-Broadway 
productions, greatly impacting the Off-Broadway scene. With programs 
such as the Mainstage Series, Musicals in Mufti Series, Developmental 
Reading Series, internship offerings, and a volunteer program, the York 
Theatre has made its mark on New York City's vibrant theatre community.
  Since 2015, the York Theatre Company has offered its Musical Theatre 
Training Program that brings together working professionals and 
dedicated theatre students. This program offers training in singing, 
acting, and movements, as well as master classes with New York's top 
theatre artists. The York Theatre's intensive sessions are offered to 
students from middle school to college. Many of these intensives offer 
students an opportunity to perform on the York Theatre's Off-Broadway 
stage at the conclusion of the program.
  In the fall of 2014, the York Theatre celebrated its 100th Musical in 
Mufti with the production of Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night. The 
York Theatre's Musical in Mufti ensures that lesser known musicals of 
the past are performed and brought into new light for the enjoyment of 
modern audiences.
  The York Theatre was able to expand its seating capacity thanks to 
more than 100 generous supporters, as well as the $112,000 grant issued 
by Sei Young Kim of New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs. 
Because of this expanded seating section, the theatre will be better 
able to reach its goal of providing free and low-cost performances to 
its audiences. With the ribbon cutting celebrating the company's new 
theatre seats, the York Theatre's patronage will expand to even broader 
audiences of New York theatregoers.
  Off-Broadway theatre has played a pivotal role in making New York 
City the theatre capitol of the world. In its 47th year of productions, 
the York Theatre Company has had a substantial impact on this great 
city's history.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise in recognition of the York 
Theatre Company, a principal in shaping New York City's theatre 
culture, as they celebrate the inauguration of their new theatre seats.

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