In Conversation With Magic Box Productions

In Conversation With Magic Box Productions

Acting Programs Director Devon Stein spoke with Magic Box Productions, a member organization of Nonprofit New York. We will continue to highlight the work of our members because we believe when your nonprofit is stronger, all of us are stronger.

Tell me about the organization and what you do.

Founded in 2004 by documentary filmmaker and Executive Director Nelle Stokes, Magic Box Productions is an award-winning nonprofit that provides exemplary media arts workshops to help students, teachers and parents bridge the digital divide.

In a variety of hands-on media arts workshops, student participants have explored their lives and community, chronicled school and community events, and told their own original stories. Classroom teachers appreciate the deep partnerships they forge with our teaching artists, who introduce them to new instructional methods, materials, and evaluation tools.

Magic Box teaching artists come into the classroom to help students create photography, video, animation, audio, and web-based projects while building critical 21st century skills. The heart of our vision is to develop visual and digital literacy from a crucial early age. Through our residencies, students gain skills in technology, problem solving and teamwork. We provide rich experiences for all ages, especially younger and beginning language learners, and are well known for our dedication to customizing each residency for the needs of participating schools.

How many people are on your team?

5 staff and 12 teaching artists

What population do you serve?

Partnering with schools in the New York City area, we have provided more than 21,000 students, teachers, and parents with opportunities for creative expression, community and cultural connections, and access to new technologies.

Where do you see your organization in the next five years or ten years?

Magic Box Productions is dedicated to providing quality standards-based arts opportunities for ALL students. We are in a digital age and it is important for educators and students to learn how to use technology for creativity, expression and engagement. Our staff, educators and students really surprised us these past two years. During a very challenging and difficult time they led with heart, innovation and determination and their creativity and excellence was at an all time high. Our mission to grow and change has surpassed what we could have imagined two years ago and we are looking forward to more progress in the future.

How has partnering with Nonprofit New York helped you succeed?

Nonprofit New York provides networking and resources that support and inform our organization and the nonprofit community.

What are you currently working on that you want us to mention to our membership?

In a variety of hands-on media arts workshops, student participants have explored their lives and community, chronicled school and community events, and told their own original stories. Classroom teachers appreciate the deep partnerships they forge with our teaching artists, who introduce them to new instructional methods, materials, and evaluation tools.

Magic Box Productions partners with the Mayor’s Office to coordinate and produce the New York Public School Film Festival and provides workshops for the New York Department of Education Blueprint Series and the New York State Council on the Arts.