Peter Avery is the Director of Theater for the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). He oversees all aspects of theater education for the world’s largest school system -- striving to ensure all students develop life-long skills for the stage and beyond through opportunities to explore their creativity, learn theater techniques and artistically collaborate with peers and professionals. His responsibilities include professional development for theater teachers and school leaders; producing new initiatives with Broadway, theater organizations and higher education; arts education policy and advocacy; and promoting student theater study and performance opportunities. Avery directs major initiatives such as the Digital Theater Project, Shubert/MTI Broadway Jr, and the theater component of Arts Achieve—a federally funded i3 project focused on arts assessments and teacher effectiveness to enhance student learning in the arts. His background includes theater education, outreach and advocacy, directing, teaching, performance and arts management. He presents on theater education at conferences and universities locally, nationally and internationally. Avery was a contributing writer to the landmark Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Theater for the NYCDOE. Previously, Avery developed and directed Disney Theatrical Group’s first ever Education department and served as Director of Education for the TADA! Youth Theater and The Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington, D.C. As a teaching artist, Avery has taught and directed theater for youth and adults across all abilities. He has taught theater at the University Maryland, American University and New York University. Avery received his MFA in Theater Management with a concentration in Education from the University of Maryland. Specialties: theater, arts education, directing, teaching, arts management, arts advocacy, editing, writing, public speaking