Programs
YPT provides young people (ages 8 through 24) with in-school and out-of-school theater and creative writing programs, as well as playwriting and storytelling programs for adults. We prioritize young people who are targeted by systems of oppression, and we also collaborate with people of all ages who are invested in the ways in which theater can transform lives and communities.
Contact YPT Programs at programs@yptdc.org if you are interested in bringing YPT programming to a DC, Maryland, or Virginia school.
Programs for Youth
In-School Playwriting Program
YPT’s core in-school program weaves the art of playwriting into Language Arts curricula as part of students’ school-day instruction to enhance writing skills, creative expression, confidence, and communication.
In-School Playwriting Program
YPT’s In-School Playwriting Program weaves the art of playwriting into Language Arts curricula as part of students’ school-day instruction. Through in-class playwriting workshops for elementary through college-aged students, YPT teaching artists provide students with the tools for dramatic writing and self-expression. Every student writes their own original play, professional actors visit every classroom to perform the students’ work. Seeing actors bring their words to life is an empowering experience that shows students that what they have to say matters. Students also contribute original dramatic work to YPT’s annual Ovation Showcase, which celebrates the creativity of young people across the DC region through a professional production featuring an ensemble of local actors.
In partnership with DC Public Schools (DCPS), YPT also provides year-long Young Playwrights’ Workshop residencies in drama classes across Washington, DC. Through these residencies, a YPT teaching artist provides the In-school Playwriting Program for each classroom of drama students, while equipping their teacher with tools and resources to teach playwriting to future classes. Students collaborate to write an original play and then perform their play for other Young Playwrights’ Workshop classes through YPT’s spring Playspiration Festival, and for the entire DCPS community through the annual DCPS Performing Arts Festival.
Out-of-School Time Program
YPT provides theater education programming to young people before and after school hours, and throughout the summer, developing their creative expression, confidence, personal resilience, and collaboration skills.
Out-of-School Time Program
YPT’s Out-of-School Time Programs provide high-quality theater education workshops before and after the school day, and throughout the summer, for elementary through college-aged students. Across a variety of programs provided in partnership with schools, community centers, and other community-based organizations, YPT teaching artists provide young people with tools and opportunities to create and perform original dramatic work. All of these OST programs are designed to achieve youth development outcomes through theater education, engaging young people in joyful, creative play, bolsters their confidence and personal resilience, and enhances their writing, communication, and collaboration skills.
Writers at Play
Writers at Play is a set of digital tools that educators and families can use to teach 3rd-12th grade learners to write their own original plays.
Programs for Adults
Young Playwrights’ Workshop
Building on years of experience providing arts integration coaching and support for educators, the Young Playwrights’ Workshop trains a cohort of DCPS theater educators to integrate playwriting into their classrooms over the course of a year-long partnership with YPT.
The Playwrights’ Lab
The Playwrights’ Lab is a virtual playwriting workshop for adult writers interested in learning and practicing the art of playwriting.