EDUCATE. CREATE. DEVISE.
At The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, we use devised theatre as a platform for Los Angeles youth to discover the power of their voices in a collaborative setting. Our ensembles serve as ecosystems where young artists acquire the necessary skills and resources to tell their stories on their own terms, under the guidance and mentorship of industry professionals in theatre and film.
WE PROVIDE
- Innovative theatre curricula focused on student-written work.
- A platform for exploration, discovery, and self-expression.
- A space for community, dialogue, and co-creation.
YOUTH THEATRE CONSERVATORY
Grades: 9th - 12th
Locations: Participating high schools in South/East LA, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and Boston Court Pasadena
When: Fall - Spring
A four-year sequential program offered yearly to youth interested in pursing college-level study in one of four performing arts disciplines: Playwriting, Directing, Acting, and Production Design & Applied Technologies. Under mentorship, students are given the tools to create original work for the stage.
Locations: Participating high schools in South/East LA, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and Boston Court Pasadena
When: Fall - Spring
A four-year sequential program offered yearly to youth interested in pursing college-level study in one of four performing arts disciplines: Playwriting, Directing, Acting, and Production Design & Applied Technologies. Under mentorship, students are given the tools to create original work for the stage.
YOUTH THEATRE RESIDENCY
Grades: Kindergarten - 8th
Locations: Participating elementary and middle schools in South/East LA, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley
When: Fall - Spring
Structured under California Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) and VAPA standards, this in-and after-school program introduces students to diverse modalities of learning in a fun and engaging way. Classrooms concepts are met with theatre activities that allow students to explore character, story, and their own perspective.
Locations: Participating elementary and middle schools in South/East LA, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley
When: Fall - Spring
Structured under California Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) and VAPA standards, this in-and after-school program introduces students to diverse modalities of learning in a fun and engaging way. Classrooms concepts are met with theatre activities that allow students to explore character, story, and their own perspective.
VOICES FROM INSIDE PROGRAM
Ages: 13 - 24
Locations: Participating juvenile halls, camps, continuation high schools, and alternative schools
When: Year-round, determined by availability
An exclusively tailored program that provides a structured platform for justice-impacted youth to build creative, collaborative, and interpersonal skills, while writing stories about their own experience and perspectives. Under the support of a trained mentor, participants craft an original work that is shared with the community.
Locations: Participating juvenile halls, camps, continuation high schools, and alternative schools
When: Year-round, determined by availability
An exclusively tailored program that provides a structured platform for justice-impacted youth to build creative, collaborative, and interpersonal skills, while writing stories about their own experience and perspectives. Under the support of a trained mentor, participants craft an original work that is shared with the community.
NEIGHBORHOOD
VOICES
Ages: 13 - 99
Locations: Open to the public at Villa Parke in Pasadena
When: Fall
This intergenerational program is designed for community members to collaboratively devise original works that examine key societal issues through the lens of different generations. Community-driven at its core, members are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in theatre performance.
Locations: Open to the public at Villa Parke in Pasadena
When: Fall
This intergenerational program is designed for community members to collaboratively devise original works that examine key societal issues through the lens of different generations. Community-driven at its core, members are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in theatre performance.
YOUTH JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIP
Ages: 15 - 25
Locations: Pasadena
When: Fall
A collaboration between USTC and Stage Raw that provides professional mentorship and publishing opportunities for aspiring journalists to cover theatre culture in LA.
Locations: Pasadena
When: Fall
A collaboration between USTC and Stage Raw that provides professional mentorship and publishing opportunities for aspiring journalists to cover theatre culture in LA.
THEATRE & CULTURE ACCESS PROGRAM
Grades: Kindergarten - 12th
Locations: Participating Schools
When: During the school year, determined by availability
We offer support to schools to provide field trips to live theatrical experiences and performances across LA County.
Locations: Participating Schools
When: During the school year, determined by availability
We offer support to schools to provide field trips to live theatrical experiences and performances across LA County.
ALUMNI
PROGRAM
Ages: 13+
Locations: Pasadena
When: Selected Sundays throughout the year
Upon completion of any of our programs, students are welcome to join our Alumni Program workshops to continue creating original work under the mentorship of a professional teaching artist.
Locations: Pasadena
When: Selected Sundays throughout the year
Upon completion of any of our programs, students are welcome to join our Alumni Program workshops to continue creating original work under the mentorship of a professional teaching artist.
FOR ADMINISTRATORS & TEACHERS
Want to bring The
Unusual Suspects to
your school?
Submit an interest form.
Unusual Suspects to
your school?
Submit an interest form.
