YOUTH THEATRE RESIDENCY

THE DREAM OF BECOMING.

We teach and support the next generation of bold artists to implement elements of movement, devised theatre, and playwriting through original collaborative theatre under a brand-new curriculum specifically designed for our K-8 classrooms and after-school programming. Structured under California Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) and VAPA standards, our student artists build a foundation in dramatic principles by dissecting and reenacting classic tales and fables, inhabiting original characters and improvising scenes with exciting outcomes. After mastering fundamental storytelling principles, participants devise their own original work through a series of creative exercises and prompts that cultivate the artistic mind, culminating in a live performance in front of their families and community. Upon completion of Residency, student artists will gain the skills necessary to advance to the next stage, becoming eligible for Youth Theatre Conservatory.

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YOUTH THEATRE CONSERVATORY

THE MASTERY OF DOING.

We nurture and inspire the next generation of bold artists to implement advanced methodologies through the creation of original collaborative theatre. Youth Theater Conservatory is a sequential 4-year program that challenges the student artist to push beyond their own standards, encourages risk in creativity, and prepares for professional success. We see risk as the opportunity for growth & change. We see growth & change as measures for success. In Levels I & II, student artists undergo an academic series of foundational theater practices in experimental movement, voice for performance, playwriting, directing, dramaturgy, and lighting & sound design. Each discipline is offered to set the foundation, preparing our student artists for higher education. For Levels III & IV, student artists will have the opportunity to declare a discipline of study in one of four tracts: Playwriting, Directing, Acting, or Design. In each tract, student artists will focus their study amongst professionals and peers alike, regularly overlapping with other tracts to collaborate in the creation of their theatre works. Each tract will undergo mentorship and vocational training from professional artists and creators in the field. By the end of Level IV, each student artist will present their Capstone Project in the form of a showcase.

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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.

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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

BUILDING THROUGH CONNECTION.

We nurture and inspire communities, providing intergenerational programming to our community partners to build with neighborhood artists. Neighborhood Voices is free to participants and focuses on community, teaching the creation, collaboration, and production of devised theatre through prompts inspired by the community itself: impactful historical events, the current climate, or themes and conflicts integral to daily life. We believe generations in communication build layers of connection, adding richness and links to the past, present, and future. Primarily taught through community centers, student artists write, direct, design, and perform in a play for and about their community, culminating in a Town Hall Performance where a talk-back session is held to engage community members in the discussion of central themes, personal impact, and future hopes and dreams they have for their neighborhood. Vocational Training in Production Design is for set, lighting, sound and costume design for those who are interested.

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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. Through an implementation of diverse mediums, our student artists unleash their voice through traditional theater, improvisation, poetry, mixed media arts, and playwriting. 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. Each culmination finishes with a monologue or scene presentation written and performed by each student artist, a perfect showcase for budding poets and performers.

VOICE FROM INSIDE - DORTHY KIRBY CENTER 2024

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