"It's been very powerful for me to return to YPT after finishing school," says Nicole Jost. "As an artist, I believe it is my responsibility to create opportunities for others to express themselves, especially those that might not already have access to such opportunities. My job allows me to do that."
 
Nicole Jost has been affiliated with Young Playwrights' Theater since 2002 when she was a sophomore at Wilson High School. In September of 2007 the YPT Wire profiled her work as a college intern, teaching the summer playwriting class at Bell Multicultural High School.  This past fall YPT was thrilled to have Nicole join its team as Program Assistant.  She works with associate director Patrick Torres to administer YPT's programs serving over 500 students throughout DC. 
 
"Nicole's presence at YPT is a gift," says Patrick Torres.  "Not only is she an accomplished writer, director and teacher in her own right, but she also serves as an example to our students of what they could be."
 
Nicole taught during the fall at Plummer Elementary and Capital City Public Charter School. "I've been very fortunate to witness playwriting take hold in my students. I've seen them completely shift their perception of what writing is," she says. "My students at Plummer Elementary School became really excited every time they got out paper and pen. They took ownership of their work, and found a space for imagination in the medium. It was beautiful."
 
Nicole plans to start her own theater company, where artists will work as an ensemble to create new work. For now, she's pleased to be back in her hometown of Washington, DC.  She recently directed One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at her alma mater, Wilson High School.

 

To see the September 2007 article about Nicole Jost click here.

For more Promising Playwrights click here.