In 1984, TADA! co-founders Janine Nina Trevens and Linda Reiff produced the company's first shows with a budget of $1,500 and lots of support from friends and family. Since its founding, TADA! has become the leading producer of professional-quality youth theater and renowned Arts Education programs in New York City. Today, TADA!'s budget is over $1.8 million and the organization reaches 50,000 children and families annually through its mainstage musical theater productions, arts education and youth development programs.

For 25 years, The Drama Desk and Coming Up Taller Award-winning TADA! has been providing young people of all different backgrounds, including a large number of disadvantaged children and families, the opportunity to explore and perform musical theater together in an educational, supportive, and professional environment. Every year, TADA! produces three original musical theater productions with a discounted ticket program; free pre-professional training and youth development opportunities through the Resident Youth Ensemble composed of over 65 NYC kids ages 8-18; renowned Arts Education in-school residencies and after-school programs that are subsidized by our funders; and theater classes for kids of all ages taught by professional teaching artists and for which need-based scholarships are readily available.