Name:
Elisa Pupko
How your clients refer to you:
The kids call me Miss Elisa
Company:
Treasure Trunk Theatre
Contact info:
email: info@treasuretrunktheatre.com, website: www.treasuretrunktheatre.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
4 years
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
When I first moved to NYC, I was babysitting for several families in Brooklyn Heights and moms kept telling me that there were no theatre opportunities for their young ones. As an actor myself, the idea of young kids not having the opportunity to explore their imaginations through theatre was disheartening. I realized I could combine my experience of teaching theatre with my love of playing make believe with children and start Treasure Trunk Theatre. I came up with the idea of the treasure trunk watching children love the idea of pulling costumes out of their play bins when playing make believe.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I must first say there are so many incredible offerings for kids in NYC! The core focus of Treasure Trunk classes, however, is to provide an opportunity for all kids to explore the use of their bodies, voices, and imaginations. Treasure Trunk is not about a final performance that the kids have rehearsed, but rather, each class is a new adventure and a new opportunity to explore. It’s all about encouraging the process of being creative through characters and places. Plus, we have the magical treasure trunk!
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Every class is a new adventure inspired from the props and costumes from the treasure trunk and imagined by the students in the class. We never repeat the same adventure. Kids have been taking our classes for years and they still have the same excitement each week to see next treasure trunk adventure! Also, Treasure Trunk obsessively focuses on ensuring we not only provide an unforgettable experience for kids, but do so while constantly eliciting and responding to parents’ needs.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
We value every kid who walks through our doors for who they are. For us, this means that whether a student is a natural born performer or more hesitant, our job is to empower them to experience their own magical and creative side. Further, as children should have this opportunity regardless of their economic situation, I founded Treasure Trunk’s Community Outreach Program. This special program, funded by incredible parent supporters and a portion of all Treasure Trunk proceeds, brings our classes to underserved children in NYC. What is your favorite part of your job? Easy question! I love watching a child’s face light up with the magic of imagination. It never ceases to amaze me the sheer scope of a child’s imagination.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Sitting on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and gazing at the city. Whenever I need to clear my mind or refocus it’s the perfect place feel like you’re alone, and yet surround by our vibrant city.
How do you benefit mamas?
Many moms have commented how they’ve watched their child’s creative play at home move to a new level. I love hearing how children incorporate themes and vocabulary from our classes into their play and also school interviews. We also love to share warm up games with parents, who can bring a little Treasure Trunk home on a rainy day!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Treasure Trunk parents always blow me away! Not only are they a constant source of ideas and personal inspiration, but over the years I am lucky enough to call many friends. I collect quotes and put them on our website, and one that always brings a smile to my face is: “My son, who is often more reserved and shy in groups, found his voice and had a ball at camp. The teachers were so patient and encouraging. He told us he never wanted camp to end.”
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Yo Re Mi – while they focus on yoga rather than acting, they have the same inspiration of using imagination and movement to teach young children. Also, of course would be Child’s Play, Broadway Bound Kids, and Brooklyn Acting Lab. Also, I adore Sawyer and KidPass who are not only great people, but have become integral partners with Treasure Trunk’s mission.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
“Give perfect effort.” As a perfectionist it can be hard to constantly be striving to do everything perfectly in life and for my business, but reminding myself that I just have to give it my best effort each day helps to refocus that perfectionist energy.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
To do lists and email management is a must! They help keep me organized and focused on the tasks that have to get accomplished that day. Also, while seemingly counter-intuitive, I have learned how essential it is to take moments throughout the day to breathe, reset, and refocus. These needed moments of calm allow me to take control of my day and keep myself focused.