Theatre of Youth Unveils New Logo

Continues to Stimulate Imaginations Through Virtual Offerings

Buffalo, NY (Sept. 18, 2020, 9 p.m.) —  As it continues to serve children and families in Western New York, Theatre of Youth, now in its 49th Season, is excited to unveil its new logo during the 2020 Curtain Up Virtual Program on September 18 at 8 p.m., of which it is one of 16 theatres participating. 

Now offering Virtual Fall Workshops which started this week, creativity is definitely not canceled at TOY, and the organization remains steadfast to continue to nurture the creative spirit of young people even though it has had to find new ways to do so.  

Theatre of Youth’s new logo embodies the TOY experience which sparks joy and wonder where curiosity is peaked, understanding is inspired, and new possibilities emerge – where the kaleidoscope of a young person’s limitless imagination creates their individual interpretation. Led by TOY’s Marketing Director, the creative process to develop TOY’s new logo started over one year ago with the design team at locally-based White Bicycle Agency. Everything from the history of the organization to the impact of TOY’s educational programs, feedback from patrons about their experiences and themes of the productions were discussed and analyzed as part of the process in the development of the logo.  A modular artistic design was chosen and was incorporated in the illustrations for the 2019-20 season productions while TOY continued to work with the agency in establishing the new logo.

Theatre of Youth’s logo is a symbol of new possibilities for both TOY and our audiences. White Bicycle has been a dynamic partner in bringing this project to life. TOY is committed to adapting and using creativity, imagination and the magic of theatre to help children understand the world around them. In a world filled with wonder and worries, the community can count on TOY for providing unique experiences and a brave space for children to share their voices and stories.

Tracy Snyder, Interim Executive Director

We believe the new logo reflects a thoughtful decision process that used specific colors, imagery and font to connect the creativity of children’s theatre to the imaginations of all our patrons. The launch is a perfect time to engage with our community and remind everyone TOY is here to inspire a love for the arts.

Mary Czopp, TOY Board President

Adapting to the changes necessary to continue to serve its audiences, TOY began offering its workshops (for those in grades kindergarten through high school) virtually this summer and this week, has begun its Fall Virtual Workshops.   Plans are also underway to offer two virtual productions this season including the 2018’s archival production of New Kid, about immigration, inclusion and change, by Dennis Foon and directed by Meg Quinn as well as S.E. Hinton’s poignant story The Outsiders, adapted by Christopher Sergel and directed by Chris Kelly, in the spring, 2021, which was canceled due to COVID-19 after just one public performance. Feedback so far regarding the virtual workshops has been very positive.  Comments were received recently after TOY sent a survey to its patrons who participated in the Summer Virtual Workshops:

TOY inspired my children to imagine a bigger world at a time when we felt alone. I will always be grateful for that.

Although there have been changes regarding how programming is delivered to its audiences, the mission of Theatre of Youth still remains the same.   TOY stimulates the imagination, nurtures the creative spirit and enhances the education of young people by engaging them in relevant, child-centered and professionally-produced live theatre programs.
 
TOY believes meaningful childhood experiences in the theatre develop confidence in creative thinking skills, cultivate empathy and establish a life-long connection to the arts and theatre. 
 
Drama participation also has dramatic positive results:  self-expression learned through drama instills life skills and fosters teamwork and confidence. Youth who participate in the arts don’t just do better in school, they perform in areas that drive success outside the classroom.  Children active in the arts demonstrate higher academic performance and standardized test scores; they are more likely to participate in community service and be elected to class office. 
 
TOY, housed at the historic Allendale Theater, was founded in 1972 by Daemen College theatre instructors Rosalind Cramer and Toni Smith Wilson who felt that children should have their stories told. What started as a small company of local actors working out of the theatre at Daemen College has grown into a cornerstone of the Buffalo arts and cultural community.  

Theatre of Youth sponsors are The Cullen Foundation, Hamister Family Foundation, Independent Health, White Bicycle, and programming is made possible by the City of Buffalo, Erie County, NYSCA (the New York State Council on the Arts) with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.  Production sponsors are R.P. Oak Hill Building Company, Inc., D.V. Brown & Associates, Lawley Insurance and EduKids.