YOUTH THEATRE RESIDENCY

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IMAGINATION BECOMES PART OF THE CURRICULUM? 

Youth Theatre Residency is an adaptable program designed for K-8 classrooms that uses collaborative theatre to bring core educational concepts to life through interactive, immersive experiences. 

Fully aligned with ELA and VAPA standards, our teaching artists empower students to explore story, character, and perspective while supporting social and academic learning gaps in an engaging, hands-on way.

After learning the foundations of storytelling, students create their own original pieces through guided creative exercises. At the end of the semester, every student’s work is showcased in a live performance for families and the community. 

After a semester of participation* in Youth Theatre Residency: 

  • Over 70% of students report learning new skills that they can use in school. 
  • Over 65% of students report that they can communicate with people who are different from themselves. 
  • Over 70% of students report that they like to work with their classmates. 
  • Over 20% increase in confidence speaking in front of a group. 
  • Over 15% increase in ability to edit and revise a story. 
*Surveys are conducted with program participants at the start and end of each semester-long Residency.

Our standard Residency package includes fourteen sessions

(60 minutes in-school or 90 minutes after-school) each semester, 1-2 sessions per week.

Customized options and pricing are available upon request.

WANT TO BRING YOUTH THEATRE RESIDENCY TO YOUR CLASSROOM? 

WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT YOUTH THEATRE RESIDENCY:

WHAT EDUCATORS SAY ABOUT YOUTH THEATRE RESIDENCY: 

YOUTH THEATRE CONSERVATORY

ARE YOU A HIGH-SCHOOLER READY TO FLIP THE SCRIPT?  

The Youth Theatre Conservatory is your chance to join an elite cohort of creative minds ready to redefine what theatre and storytelling can be. Guided by a team of experts in acting, writing, directing, and production design, you’ll develop and perform your own original work in a space that celebrates bold ideas, fearless storytelling, and limitless imagination.

This isn’t just a theatre program. It’s a high-performing space created for and by you.

WHY JOIN?

  • Unleash your creativity: Master acting, writing, directing, and production design skills while honing the power of your unique voice.
  • Learn from the best: Receive mentorship from professionally trained actors, directors, and writers.
  • Collaborate and create: Work with other creative high schoolers to devise and produce original work for the stage.
  • Expand your horizons: Attend live theatrical events and experience the magic of live performance from behind the scenes.
  • Build your future: Develop confidence, craft an artistic portfolio, and create work that sets you apart for college or a career.  

THE 4-YEAR JOURNEY

Build your foundation. Discover your voice.  Start with the essentials of playwriting and acting. Learn to write scripts, develop characters, and bring stories to life while gaining access to exclusive master classes by top professionals in theatre, film, and storytelling. These industry leaders will guide you through writing, acting, directing, production design, and applied technology. You’ll gain insider knowledge that most artists can only dream of.

Fall Session: Explore the development process of writing and acting.

Spring Session: Undertake the revision process of writing and acting. Take the stage to perform your story in front of a live audience. 

Become the expert. Shape your future.

Chose your track (Acting, Playwriting, Directing, or Production Design & Applied Technology) and master the skills needed to transform your passion into a career or prepare for university. Create a standout artistic portfolio that highlights your originality and dedication, positioning you for success in the arts and beyond. 

JOIN THE YOUTH THEATRE CONSERVATORY IN PASADENA

Are you a high schooler with a passion for storytelling? Come meet your creative dream team and learn to act, write, direct, and design for the stage. 

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Dates: January 20, 2026 – April 28, 2026
  • Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30PM – 6:30PM (must attend both days)
  • Location: Boston Court Pasadena (70 North Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106). Free parking is available, and the space is a 4-minute walk from the Lake Avenue Metro stop.
  • Cost: FREE.  
  • Eligibility: Open to all high schoolers. No prior experience is required.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

WATCH OUR ONLINE INFO SESSION

JOIN THE YOUTH THEATRE CONSERVATORY AT HIGH SCHOOLS

If you’re a student at Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School, John C. Fremont High School, Legacy Senior Visual and Performing Arts, or Arleta High School, the Unusual Suspects is bringing the Conservatory right to your campus.

  • Dates: September 2025 – April 2026.
  • Fall Session: Playwriting fundamentals and devising original stories.
  • Spring Session: Acting fundamentals and performing for a live audience.
  • Schedule: Meets twice a week after school.
  • Cost:  $0. Full scholarships are offered to all 20 selected students, sponsored by your school and the Unusual Suspects Theatre Company.
  • Spots Available: 20 students per school, first come, first serve (via signup form). 

THEATRE & CULTURE ACCESS

THE CULTIVATION OF NEW EXPERIENCES.

We nurture and support the creative and cultural spirit of our youth artists, families, and stakeholders, providing Field Trips and experiences for all who wish to attend. These can include but are not limited to, theatre outings, trips to museums, evenings at the symphony, professional mentorship, masterclasses, and more. Prior to each field trip experience a lesson about the context of the experience is presented by two Teaching Artists. Additionally post the event is followed by an in-depth discussion of the experience, allowing space for our young artists to reflect, speak and think critically about others’ work. We believe art is best shared in the community.

INTERESTED IN BRINGING THIS PROGRAM TO YOU?

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

UNUSUAL SUSPECTS FIELD TRIP VOLUNTEER

Our Theatre & Culture Access Program is a field trip based program engaging our students, their families, and school faculty to experience professional art and culture performances. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in the prep and execution of field trips, and student-centric events, while also seeing professional theatre performances for free! 

Interested volunteers must fill out this form.

NEIGHBORHOOD VOICES

REAL STORIES. REAL PEOPLE. REAL COMMUNITY.

What if the stories from your life—and your neighborhood—could be turned into powerful, original theater?

Neighborhood Voices is all about bringing people of all ages together to share experiences, speak truth, and create something meaningful as a group.

Our teaching artists guide you through writing, performing, and collaborating with others. You don’t need to be a “theater person” to join—just come with an open mind and something to say (or even just the curiosity to listen).

From personal memories to breaking news, we use it all. Because your voice matters—and your story deserves to be heard.

FALL 2025: SIGNUPS ARE CLOSED

LOCATION: Pasadena (Wednesdays at Villa Parke, Saturdays at Washington Park)

WORKSHOP DATES: Wednesdays 5:30PM – 7:30PM + Saturdays 9AM – 11AM

FIRST WORKSHOP: Saturday, September 27
LAST WORKSHOP: Wednesday, Dec 17

SEASON SHOWCASE: Friday, Dec 12 at 7PM + Saturday, Dec 13 at 2PM

No experience needed. All ages welcome. Free to join.

VOICES FROM INSIDE

THE POWER OF EXPRESSION.

We support all voices by providing programming to juvenile halls, camps, and alternative schools in Los Angeles County. Focused on reflective storytelling, our participants explore key moments in their lives with fresh perspective, giving them agency to make new decisions and forge fresh paths forward as an artist. This curriculum model serves as a base for future arts training and a modality for self-expression and emotional regulation, providing our artists with the opportunity to develop a growing writing portfolio they can take with them after program completion – providing a foundation for professional development and opportunity. 

INTERESTED IN BRINGING THIS PROGRAM TO YOUR SITE?

STUDENT WORKS FROM CAMP AFFLERBAUGH

STUDENT WORKS FROM DOROTHY KIRBY CENTER