Community Arts Partner

Participant Details

Community Arts Partner Name
ACT Young Playwrights Program
Partner Type
1
Profile Photo
Individual Bio or
Organizational Statement
Now entering its 18th year, ACT Theatre’s Young Playwrights Program consistently delivers outstanding arts education and enrichment opportunities to middle and high school students across King County. YPP pairs professional playwrights and theatre professionals with classroom teachers to engage middle and high school students in a 10-week intensive program that includes drama and improv exercises, creative writing prompts, and supportive feedback sessions. By the end of YPP, each student completes the first draft of an original, one-act play. YPP aligns with Washington State Learning Standards for the Arts, English Language Arts Learning Standards, and 21st Century Skills development. Additionally, YPP provides support to students as they develop a creative cohort in the classroom that values creative risk-taking, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. Often school partners showcase finished YPP plays during in-school assemblies or evening presentations, performed and/or directed by peers. Other plays are selected for the Young Playwrights Festival at ACT Theatre each spring.

Contact Information

First Name
Riley
Last Name
Gene
Address
700 Union Street
Address 2
City
Seattle
State
WA
Zip
98101-4037
Phone
(206) 292-7660 ext:1014

Grade Levels Preferred

Grade Levels Preferred
6th - 8th, 9th - 12th

Artistic Disciplines

Discipline
2, 4
Type
Playwriting

Experience

Previous School Partnerships
Recent school partners include Ballard High School, Explorer West High School, Franklin High School, Garfield High School, Highline High School, Lakeside School, Nova Project, Redmond High School, Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences, Shorewood High School, TOPS K-8.
Other Trainings or Certifications
Sample Lesson Description: Student / Classroom Residencies
Sample Workshop Description: Teacher Professional Development

Areas of Experience and Expertise

Approved Professional Development Provider
1
Approved Classroom Residency Provider
Yes

Lesson Plan

Integrated Art
Cultural Art

Teaching Approach

Teaching Philosophy + Approach
We are passionate about creating opportunities for artistic self-expression and believe that young voices need to be validated and heard. YPP celebrates the value of mentorship with experienced theatre makers and produced playwrights that also have experience in the classroom. We believe in the power of storytelling and theater to validate and honor the stories, personal histories, and values of young people today.  
Curriculum Integration Possibilities
Drama Theatre Arts English Literature Creative Writing
Special Skills and Areas of Expertise
Testimonials from Schools
“ACT has shown me how to take an idea and make a world.” Ellie Drayton, Seattle Girls' School
“This program has really helped me to find out more about myself. The more I write, I discover connections between each piece and that’s when I realize, wow, this is what I’m interested in, this is who I am.” Si Jia Yu, Roosevelt High School

Fees

Fees
YPP fees are based on a sliding scale. For more information, please inquire directly.

Images

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Video

Video Description
Check this out! foundry10 interviewed John Langs and Tracy Hyland at ACT Theatre about YPP!
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