Rainbow Warriors Youth Theatre was a unique performing arts summer program sponsored by the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County and the NiteStar Program of New York City. Over a 2-week period (August 18 – August 29, 2008) participants received professional training in environmental issues (global warming/climate change, recycling, air and water pollution and community building) as well as professional training in playwriting, acting, stagecraft (lighting, sound, costumes, stage management), music and dance. The process culminated in the creation of an original theatrical presentation.
Why do you call it Rainbow Warriors?
The name Rainbow Warriors comes from several Native American prophecies*, as summarized below:
"When the earth is dying there shall arise a new tribe of all colors and all creeds. This tribe shall be called The Warriors of the Rainbow and it will put its faith in actions not words."
- Prophecy of the Native American Hopi people –
*For further information, please go to manataka.org
Artistic training was provided by Cheryl Paley, Danny Rockett and Alyssa Robbins of New York City based NiteStar, and others. Environmental training will be given by Adam Ruderman, Robert Pollitzer, and others.
Cheryl Paley, Nitestar’s artistic director, began directing original issue-based theatre nineteen years ago. This is her eighth season as Artistic Director for NiteStar. Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from Northwestern University, a Master’s Degree from the NYU Gallatin School and spent a season as an apprentice at the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville.
Danny Rockett, NiteStar’s Musical Director has appeared on Broadway, bands and television, and has composed music for commercials and TV. He currently leads and composes for the band, Bad Teenage Moustache.
Alyssa Robbins, NiteStar’s Production Manager, has stage managed for the Milwaukee Theatre Company and the Oblivion Theatre Company in Chicago, for Pace University productions in New York, and has worked for the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company. She is a solo singer/songwriter who has performed throughout Europe and currently plays in and around NYC and with the bank, Bad Teenage Moustache.
Adam Ruderman, is an expert in sustainable and community supported agriculture and organic food. For 10 years he owned and operated Herban Kitchen, the first entirely organic restaurant in NYC, and among other related stints, was one of the original team that put together the first Earth Day New York.
Robert Pollitzer is the President and founder of GreenStreet Construction & Consulting, a leading green building firm, operating primarily in the tri-state region. Mr. Politzer is a LEED accredited professional and was the Chair of the Sustainable Business Task Force of the New York State Environmental Business Association.
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