This Is Who We Are.
WHERE CREATIVE TRANSFORMATION HAPPENS
New Day is a theatre of creative transformation, welcoming young people to reach, grow, discover, and shine under extraordinary artists and opportunities. For over 20 years, we've believed that theatre does more than put on a show. It builds confidence, courage, and community that lasts long after the curtain falls.
As we approached our 20th year, we partnered with DRMTM, a national, women-owned agency dedicated to building bold arts and culture brands, to reimagine how we tell our story. The result is a refreshed look, voice, and vision built to match the vibrancy and talent of the young artists who inspire everything we do.
"We've struggled for years to capture the essence and magic of New Day that sets us apart. And now we have. Our new identity isn't really new at all – it sums up everything we believe and have worked toward since our founding. But now we have the visual and written expression of who we really are. And it is entirely youth-driven and inspired, just like us." - Board President
NEW DAY IS A PLACE TO
Grow
We sow growth, discovery, and opportunity, nurturing confidence and character for tomorrow's world stage.
Shine
We ignite the inner light, illuminating the experience of youth through performance.
Belong
Our theatre is a safe place to be creative, embrace our unique talents, accept, and be accepted.
Believe
Our theatre is open for every child to imagine, do, and be something brave and beautiful.
Learn
We passionately commit to young talent learning and performing under professional artists.
Rejoice
We flourish with magic and joy, finding profound fun and friendship in the act of creating.
Every day is a new day to grow and discover.
I am ready to learn in my theatre home.
Everyone belongs and has a voice here.
I am safe to explore, express, and be myself.
I can be brave even when I'm unsure.
I honor my unique gifts and talents.
I am a young professional. I respect our artists and craft.
Every job is special and valued. I believe in fun and team work.
I shine brighter when I help others shine.
Today is a New Day.
Me becomes We and Together We Shine.
NEW DAY DECLARATION
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS & EXPANDING OUR CIRCLE
Since its founding in 2006, New Day has welcomed thousands of young people to grow, discover, and shine under extraordinary artists and opportunities. As we prepare to celebrate 20 years of creativity, growth, and community, we're thrilled to expand our circle of voices through new Advisory Councils.
The Student, Alumni, and Community Councils will play a key role in shaping the next chapter of New Day's story. Advisory members serve as ambassadors, advocates, and creative collaborators, helping us continue to inspire and empower young artists across our region.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Bringing Literacy
to Life
Created in partnership with Collierville Schools' Voluntary Pre-K program and expanded to Hope House in Memphis, this program brings the magic of storytelling into the classroom pairing each reading session with a book to keep, and inviting the whole family to see a story brought to life on stage each spring.
Currently paused due to funding cuts. We hope to resume this program when funding allows.
Little Stars
A creative movement class for ages 4-6, designed to build mobility, balance, and coordination through song, dance, and imaginative theatre games. In a warm, playful setting, young performers take their very first steps into the world of theatre — learning to move with confidence, follow along with a group, and discover the joy of creative play.
Victoria's
Summer Stock
Because the magic doesn't stop when school lets out, Victoria's Summer Stock gives students with packed schedules for sports, activities, and everything else, a chance to keep performing, growing, and belonging all summer long. As our Pay-What-You-Can production, it's also where we make sure every family, regardless of ability to pay, gets to experience the joy of live theatre.
ACCESSIBILITY
Theatre belongs to everyone.
At New Day, access isn't an add-on. It's part of who we are.
From free Sensory Friendly performances to our Pay-What-You-Can production, Victoria's Summer Stock, we work to remove barriers so more young people and families can experience live theatre. Scholarships and community partnerships help ensure that cost is never what stands between a child and the stage.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
New Day provides a nurturing environment where children come together to build relationships and develop character through mutual respect and teamwork. Our Child Protection Policy (CPP) applies to all New Day activities, including rehearsals, workshops, classes, and off-site partnership programs.
Screening
Background checks, including child abuse and criminal history, are conducted on all staff and any volunteers working with youth who aren't accompanied by staff or parents. No one who has been charged with any form of child abuse, physical, emotional, or sexual, may take part in our youth programs. Everyone working with New Day programs completes an in-person interview, and three personal references are checked for each staff member or volunteer working directly with children.
Code of Conduct
The safety of our students is our primary concern. We adhere to the "rule of three" whenever possible, requiring at least two adults or two youth in a group at all times. If a one-on-one situation is unavoidable, it takes place in an open, public area where others can see. For online and virtual sessions, two staff members must be present at all times, including in breakout sessions, and all sessions are recorded for safety and security.
Training
Staff and volunteers working with unaccompanied youth receive the CPP annually and sign an acknowledgment of receipt and understanding. They also complete the Stewards of Children / Darkness to Light training program every three years.
RECOGNITION
Nominated for Nonprofit of the Year in 2022 and 2023 by the Collierville Chamber of Commerce, and voted Best Community Theatre by Memphis Most in 2020, we're honored to be recognized for the work we do in and for this community.
We're creating tomorrow's leaders through theatre, and everyone has a role to play.