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Brooklyn Center For The Performing Arts: A Guide

New York is famous for its renowned theater, performing arts and thriving artistic culture; and at the center of much of this activity is the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. Here is your guide for what to look for from this epicenter of art:

Brooklyn Center For The Performing Arts 
Whitman Theatre
2900 Avenue H, Brooklyn,
New York, NY 11210
(718) 951-4500

Located on the Brooklyn College campus, the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts revolves around the noble goal of introducing a lifelong love for the performing arts in children and youth. In that pursuit, it offers dozens of opportunities for children of all ages, including classes, performances and support for community showcase events.

Lessons For Kids

Teachers have an incredible resource through the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts with its SchoolTime series, specially designed as a learning opportunity for children. Performances of classic childhood stories like Clifford the Big Red Dog and Alexander-- the beloved, surly character of Judith Viorst's series -- jointly entertain and teach children in younger grades. Teachers can bring their classes to the shows, then complete the experience through the study guides found on the Brooklyn Center's website.

More: Best Indoor Activities For Kids In NYC

Rent Space For Your Group

This space is all about highlighting and celebrating art and performance, which comes in a variety of iterations and concepts. To celebrate this diversity, the Whitman Theatre is open for rental to local community groups. The magnificent theater will seat over 2,300 for your performance and the center will offer performance and technical assistance. For information on how to reserve your spot, visit their information page.

More: 5 Things You Can Only Do In New York City

Upcoming Performances 

The Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts regularly features big-name performers, welcoming comedian Kathy Griffin with her new show on April 10. You can also see the newest work from award-winning playwright Kate Benson with "Radium Now," opening May 6, or enjoy a night of fantastic music with a tribute to Nat King Cole on May 1. For more upcoming performances and can't-miss musical performances, plays and more, check out the center's calendar page.

More: Best Theaters In New York City

Be A Member

Members of the Brooklyn Performing Arts Center will help support and encourage a young generation of performers, thinkers and creators, which is the greatest reward in signing on. But there are quite a bit of added benefits, too. Some of these include: priority access to tickets, access to specialized events, ticket discounts, complimentary parking and more. You can achieve all of these benefits by involving yourself as a "leading role" for $250. Customized benefits come with a "diva" membership at or above $1000, or you can simply do your part by becoming a "friend" of the center for $50. Either way, you will be making an important impact on your community.

By Sharon Betty of Examiner.com for CBS Local.
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