The Young Playwrights Project

The Young Playwrights Project places accomplished playwrights–who are also gifted teachers and strong role models–“in residence” at Bay Area high schools where they lead advanced drama students through a month of writing workshops and exercises on dramatic form and expression. The playwrights-in-residence provide a supportive, inclusive environment and empower students to engage with their own experiences and personal interests, and will adjust their teaching styles to fit the individual students’ needs and abilities, and help each student achieve their highest potential.
During the month of workshops, students will learn how to write dialogue, develop plot, create believable characters in scenes, and explore conflict. The first half of the Young Playwrights Project is devoted to writing exercises and skills-building workshops, as well as building on the relationships among students to cultivate a sense of belonging. This ensures each student feels valued and appreciated for what they’re bringing to the group, and safe to share their own work and knowledge. Playwrights-in-residence are highly engaged in each student’s work, offering timely feedback and coaching.
At the end of the month, each student puts these new skills to the test by writing an original one-act play. From each class, 6–7 scripts are selected for further development. These writers then embark on another four weeks of revisions, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring with the playwright-in-residence.
The project culminates in a professionally designed day of rehearsals leading up to an evening of staged readings of the students’ work on campus. During the day, the young playwrights work with professional actors and directors to bring their scripts to life onstage. That evening, staged readings of each play are presented to the public with an audience made of the playwrights’ friends, families, peers, and TheatreWorks subscribers.

Interested in having your students participate?
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Contact Jake Arky, TWSV Education Coordinator at jarky@theatreworks.org for more details on pricing, booking and all other details.

This program addresses many of the California State Standards

• 2.2 Improvise or write dialogues and scenes, applying basic dramatic structure and using complex characters with unique dialogue that motivates the action.

• 4.1 Use complex evaluation criteria and terminology to compare and contrast a variety of genres of dramatic literature.
• 4.2 Draw conclusions about the effectiveness of informal and formal productions, films/videos, or electronic media on the basis of intent, structure, and quality of the work.

o 5.2 Manage time, prioritize responsibilities, and meet completion deadlines for a production as specified by group leaders, team members, or directors.
This program also teaches many 21st Century Skills

o   Creativity and Innovation

  • Thinking Creatively
  • Work Creatively with Others
  • Implement Innovations

o   Flexibility & Adaptation

  • Adapt to Change
  • Be Flexible

o   Initiative & Self-Direction

  • Manage Goals & Time
  • Work Independently
  • Be Self-Directed Learners
  • Manage Projects
  • Produce Results
  • Interact Effectively with Others
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Want to help TheatreWorks inspire future artists, build bridges in our community, and bring arts-based learning into Bay Area schools?

In-School Programming

TheatreWorks has been working with schools in the Bay Area for over 30 years and offers an array of programs that are custom made for middle and high school students, aligning with core curriculum and California State Standards.

Student Matinees

Participating classes will also have the opportunity for more engagement with a pre-show workshop led by a TheatreWorks Teaching Artist and participant from the show, as well as an in-depth study guide with activities, information, and background on the show.

Go to a Show!

In-School Programming

TheatreWorks has been working with schools in the Bay Area for over 30 years and offers an array of programs that are custom made for middle and high school students, aligning with core curriculum and California State Standards.

HIGH SCHOOL

Grades 9-12

The Young Storytellers Lab

The Young Storytellers Lab is a unique workshop that blends the art of writing and performance together for middle and high school students. TheatreWorks Teaching Artists who have experience performing autobiographical work on stage are placed at Bay Area schools for six classes to help students craft their own narratives for an audience.

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The Young Storytellers Lab

The Young Playwrights Project places accomplished playwrights–who are also gifted teachers and strong role models–“in residence” at Bay Area high schools where they lead advanced drama students through a month of writing workshops and exercises on dramatic form and expression.

View More

Community Program

Our work isn't limited to the stage—check out how we're continuing conversations, making connections, and bringing art into our community.

Elder Playwright’s Project

Have a story to tell? Tell it on stage! Join us for this playwriting class, created in partnership with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and inspired by the Young Playwright’s Project they teach in high schools all across the Bay Area. This “young at heart” playwright’s project is structured in a similar fashion as the high school program, but tailored to older adults in the community. All levels of experience are welcome to participate.
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Children’s Healing Project

Teaching Artists work with patients at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, the Comprehensive Eating Disorders Unit, and families staying at the Ronald McDonald House while receiving care.
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