PROGRAMS

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

Our four-year, sequential conservatory program is designed for students ready to pursue college-level study in Playwriting, Directing, Acting, or Production Design & Applied Technologies. Guided by professional mentors, students gain the tools and experience to develop and stage original work.

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.

VOICES FROM INSIDE PROGRAM

Ages: 13 - 24
Locations: Participating juvenile halls, camps, continuation high schools, and alternative schools
When: Year-round

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, our students craft original work that is shared with the community.

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.





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. Participants are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in theatre performance.

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.