In 1986, as a response to the AIDS epidemic heavily affecting San Francisco, Decker created the landmark YouthAware Touring Educational Theatre program, which has since expanded to address an array of health and wellness concerns, been translated into five languages, and achieved national and international recognition.

Decker has developed and/or premiered plays for NCTC’s main stage with artists such as Norman Allen, Terrence McNally,[3] Edmund White,[4] Joe Mantello, Mart Crowley, Brad Fraser, David Marshall Grant, Jonathan Harvey, Jewelle Gomez, and Lee Blessing.

[7] NCTC offers classes for students of all ages in acting, singing, musical theatre, and playwriting at their downtown San Francisco location, serving about 200 youth annually.

NCTC sends highly qualified drama instructors into San Francisco County public schools, offering a wide range of after-school theatre arts classes in locations convenient to participants and their families.

YouthAware programs reach over 20,000 youth per year, using performing arts as a vehicle for examining such issues as self-care, peer pressure, bullying, substance abuse, violence, homophobia, gender identity, stereotypes, race, cultural competency, and HIV/AIDS awareness.