That's what we do.

Since 1987, Philadelphia Young Playwrights (PYP) has partnered with educators to bring the transformative power of playwriting into classrooms and community settings across Greater Philadelphia. Placing students at the center of their learning, PYP's intensive writing residencies advance writing-based literacy skills while developing critical 21st century skills like creativity, communication, and collaboration.​

• Mission
• History

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Our Mission

Philadelphia Young Playwrights taps the potential of youth and inspires learning through playwriting.

In executing our mission, PYP focuses on:

• Improving students’ writing-based literacy skills
• Enhancing students’ sense of agency, responsibility and self-esteem
• Cultivating joy and focusing on the whole child
• Modeling new, effective ways of teaching
• Reaching students of diverse backgrounds and abilities
• Engaging students, their families, and communities in the creation and production of theater

Our History

Adele Magner, Founder

Philadelphia Young Playwrights was conceived by founder Adele Magner. In 1986, Adele consulted with Gerald Chapman of New York's Young Playwrights, Inc. and gathered a group of Delaware Valley educators and theatre professionals to further her vision. The program emerged as a groundbreaking tool for classroom teachers to inspire students' literacy learning and creativity. It began its first full year operation in the 1987-88 school year.

PYP mourned the untimely passing of Adele Magner in 2000. In the summer of 2001, the Board hired Glen Knapp as Executive Producing Director to sustain and advance Adele's outstanding legacy. In 2016, Lisa Nelson-Haynes began as Executive Director to take Philadelphia Young Playwrights into its 4th decade!

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FROM THE VAULTS: Check Out "The Young Playwrights Experience," produced by WHYY in 2008 

Read Past Annual Reports