Collaborate to Create Original Performance

This residency for 6^th –12^th graders can take place in the classroom or virtually. Students work collaboratively to devise an original performance about issues important to them. Especially effective for reluctant writers and youth-at-risk, this residency renews students’ interest in drama, movement, creative writing, and poetry as vital means of self-expression. The young people learn about and practice inclusion, trust-building, acceptance, and affirmations. They learn to support each other while taking the risk of creative thinking. They work collaboratively to create a performance in their own words. Some previous youth performances have dealt with depression and suicide prevention, life after death, gossip, body image and the media, growing up without a parent, and stereotyping, as well as lighter subjects. In-person residencies involve up to three classes per day and last from two to five weeks. Virtual residencies have a maximum of 15 students per class session.