We’re excited to introduce you to our June Volunteer of the Month, Evan Altshuler!

826NYC: How did you first get involved with 826NYC and why did you decide to volunteer?

Long long ago, I used to work for this very creative company that adjudicated fun and silly world records. We hosted regular variety shows at Joe’s Pub and appeared in a recurring segment on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” One day, I was asked to help lead a workshop at 826, and the rest is history!

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of 826NYC?

826 is the kind of place I would have loved as a kid. It’s such a joy to see the unbridled creativity that kids possess. I’m so impressed with the stories, sketches, short films, etc. produced under the mentorship of smart, caring staff and volunteers with diverse creative backgrounds.

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of Write Together Workshops?

What’s so fun about the field trips is how different they wind up. As someone who comes from improv comedy, seeing what can be collaboratively created in just two hours is always such a treat.

826NYC: What was your favorite part of supporting our comedy workshop?

It was incredible helping comedy kids create original sketches. It was so fun to explore humorous premises with a comedy cohort I have not worked with before.

826NYC: What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?

When I’m not volunteering with 826, I’m a freelance TV and documentary producer.  When I’m not doing either, I’m trying to keep my dog from complaining about our new cat.

826NYC: What advice would you give a new volunteer?

826 is such a welcoming organization – the staff and the kids. Even if you’re someone who thinks they might not be the type, you’d be surprised at what a fun, helpful addition you can make. And if you do think you’re the type, what’s your problem? Just do it already.

826NYC: What are your superpowers?

My superpower? I do that thing in Loki season 2 where he grabs all the streams or whatever and becomes king of trees.

Check out the skits our young writers created in our comedy workshop, and other amazing stories, in our forthcoming chapbook, From Wandering Minds, From Magic and Pretend!

Want to support our students this spring? Sign up for a volunteer orientation today!