Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc.

WHEREAS, American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. (ATAFY) is the non-profit production company founded in 1970 to bring the finest in professional curriculum-related theater to children of all ages; and

WHEREAS, In the 2003-2004 school year alone, ATAFY touched the lives of over two million students nationwide, including 80,000 youngsters in Philadelphia and 150,000 youngsters in Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, ATAFY has commissioned and produced 46 original stage musicals praised by educators and the press as a delightful experiences for all ages; and

WHEREAS, Study guides are prepared for every production for classroom discussion, and a policy of modest ticket prices make ATAFY's program available to the broadest possible audiences; and

WHEREAS, ATAFY is augmented by over 180 outstanding directors, designers, performers and staff who understand the learning experience inherent in live performance; and

WHEREAS, Laurie Wagman is the Founder/CEO of American Theater Arts for Youth, the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the nation that presents professional theater to school students as an extension of classroom curriculum; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of American Theater Arts for Youth, Inc. and honor Laurie Wagman for her creativity and outstanding contributions to cultural enrichment in education through theater.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Laurie Wagman as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End