Young Theaterworks
YOUNG THEATERWORKS is an innovative program that engages at-risk high school students in creative writing, storytelling and a variety of theater techniques in order to increase literacy, communication, and creative and social skills. The intensive workshop provides youth with transformative experiences through the arts and, for many, their first artistic experience altogether. For PROGRAM HISTORY, click here.
Over the course of 20 sessions, students are guided by an experienced teaching artist to collaboratively create an original script that explores family history, personal identity, and other issues that directly affect their lives. The learning and mentoring process is further supported by guest artists (i.e. actors, directors, designers, or producers) who also expose the youth to new career options. The program culminates with a publicly staged reading performed by professional actors, and participating youth who volunteer to perform. Additional youth are directly involved with other production responsibilities such as marketing, production design, and management.
Since 2002, YOUNG THEATERWORKS has primarily been based in East Los Angeles where it is the only theater arts program with an innovative literacy focus serving LAUSD options high schools. These high schools are part of the LAUSD Educational Options Program which is the largest and most successful dropout prevention program in the United States.
The program has also served Pasadena, and is currently moving into mid-city Los Angeles while continuing to expand the number of E.L.A. schools it serves. About Productions has partnered with a number of community-based arts organizations in order to bring our students' work to the public including Plaza de la Raza, Self Help Graphics, and the Armory Center for the Arts.
Keys to the program's success in elevating students’ literacy, communications, creative and social skills include: the innovative use of About Production’s collaborative, interdisciplinary creative process as a conduit; in-depth/hands-on learning; small classes and teamwork with classroom teachers; extensive professional mentoring; ongoing learning assessment; and State Curriculum Standard fulfillment in Language/Writing, Theater, and Social Studies.
We are grateful to our funders who have generously supported Young Theaterworks from 2002-present. They include the California Arts Council, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Pasadena Cultural Affairs Department, Washington Mutual, United Latino Fund, Hot Topic Foundation, Tournament of Roses Foundation, Pasadena Arts League, Entertainment Industry Foundation, Weingart Foundation, Best Buy Children's Foundation, Target Foundation, Mervyn's, and Toyota.