Resources for Teachers | Young Playwrights Theater

Teaching students to express

Teaching students to express themselves clearly and creatively through the art of playwriting

We could not do the work that we do without classroom teachers. At YPT, we work to support what you’re already doing in the classroom. Our curriculum is based on English Language Arts standards as well as Arts standards. We have our own unique way of addressing these standards, and we hope that you and your students find our methods engaging.

There are a number of ways to get involved with YPT as a teacher. The articles below are a good introduction to YPT’s programs. We’ve also assembled a guide that will introduce your students to the art of playwriting.

The In-School Playwriting Program

With the In-School Playwriting Program, YPT comes directly to your school. Click here to learn more about the In-School program.

If you want to bring the In-School program to your school, download the application here.

Express Tour

Our Express Tour brings full productions of some of our strongest student plays out to schools and community centers throughout the DC area. The Express Tour is a great way to inspire students to write!

Click here for more information on the Express Tour.

The Young Playwrights’ Workshop

The Young Playwrights’ Workshop is YPT’s award-winning student theater ensemble for eighth to twelfth graders. To be accepted into the Workshop, students must demonstrate an interest in expressing themselves using the art of theater.

In the Workshop, students work together to create, develop, rehearse, and perform an original play. A professional teaching artist helps the ensemble develop a foundation of theater skills that form the basis for creating work. Students learn a diverse set of skills: improvisation, stage combat, clowning, solo performance, and playwriting. The resulting performance is held at a professional theater in the DC area and attended by a public audience.

The Workshop meets in YPT’s studio space every Wednesday from 4 to 5:30pm.

Do you know a student who might be interested? Have them contact Farah Harris at fharris@yptdc.org.

Playwriting Resources

Playwriting is a useful tool for learning all kinds of subjects – it’s not just for Drama or English class! YPT partner teachers have integrated elements of our curriculum into History, Social Studies, and even Science.

Do you want to integrate the art of playwriting into your classroom? These simple tools will help your students get started.

Cheap Tickets for Students!

One great way to expose your students to the arts is by taking them to see a play! The following are some of the DC area theaters that offer affordable and/or discounted tickets for students.

Name Your Own Price Tickets!

One great way to see live theater for no money at all is to check out a YPT performance. Find out what’s up next here.