UR STORY is an Arts & Drama program built on one belief — every student deserves access and opportunity.
With master classes taught by successful creatives, we bring world-class training into public spaces — helping students find their voice, gain confidence, and share their story through the arts.
Founded by Tyler Dean Flores, a Puerto Rican actor born and raised in Harlem, New York. At a young age, Tyler made his acting debut in The Dark Knight Rises and has since starred in numerous film and television projects including Hulu's Miguel Wants To Fight, Marvel's The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, and Netflix's NEON. Named one of Complex's “Top 20 Latino Actors Changing The Game In Hollywood,” Tyler built a career through the arts but it all started with one acting class. That class changed his life and opened a path he never imagined.
UR STORY was created to open that same door for today's students, especially those who may not have access to master classes, who struggle to express themselves and need a safe, creative space to discover who they are and who they can become.
UR STORY: through drama, is a 10 session in-school residency designed for middle school through high school grade students. No previous experience is required — only curiosity and imagination. Through games, movement, voice work, improvisation, and storytelling, students build emotional literacy, learn to collaborate, and develop tools to creatively express themselves through drama.
With a max of 15 students per class, the program builds week by week. Starting with foundational acting tools like movement, emotion, and improvisation, students gradually develop skills in character creation, storytelling, and scene work. Each 10-session residency ends with a culminating showcase where each student has the opportunity to shine and showcase their story. With students who want to turn their artistry into a career, we give them the necessary tools and answer all questions needed.
Every part of UR STORY is grounded in social emotional learning. The program supports all five core SEL competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. Students don't just learn about emotions — they actively practice them through creative action. The program is fully aligned with DOE priorities around SEL, student engagement, and enrichment.
of students surveyed said that, because of UR STORY, they feel more confident sharing their story with others, more comfortable performing and speaking up in front of groups, and better able to express their thoughts and feelings clearly.
“I learned how to express myself and to not be shy about speaking and being myself. I also felt like I had someone who actually cared about how I felt and the reason why.”7th grade student · The Bronx
“You can share your ideas, and you can express your feelings without feeling bad about yourself.”8th grade student · The Bronx
“I learned how to be a little less shy and talk to people I don't really know.”7th grade student · The Bronx
“How to act, how to articulate my thoughts and feelings more clearly, and how to improvise.”7th grade student · The Bronx
Currently filling the 2026–2027 school year.
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