PHILADELPHIA YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS
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PARENTS​

What is Philadelphia Young Playwrights?

Philadelphia Young Playwrights (PYP) is an arts education non-profit dedicated to cultivating the voices of youth. Since 1987, we have partnered with educators and artists alike to advance students' writing-based literacy skills as well as critical 21st century skills like communication, creativity, and collaboration.

​Perhaps more importantly, PYP strives to create environments where young people—no matter who they are or where they come from—feel comfortable expressing themselves and can find community among their peers.
"I think my daughter feels that it's a safe place for her here... It's been a salvation."
​                                                                 
—PYP Parent

Is PYP right for my child?

PYP works with a diverse group of youth in grades K-12 across the Greater Philadelphia region. Many students who are introduced to our programs in their schools do not self-identify as writers and may not feel confident in their writing abilities. Students who haven't engaged with us in their schools are equally welcome at our programs.

​Our approach meets students where they are, and invites them to write about whatever they like. In schools, we teach the fundamentals of playwriting in support of the curricular goals of the classroom teacher. Out of school, we provide students with the opportunity to further advance their craft, to experience theater, and to build community beyond the walls of the classroom.

​All out-of-school programs have scholarships available to ensure that all students can participate.

How can I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved at PYP!
  • ENROLL: Register your student for one of our out-of-school programs or bring them along to a performance of student-written plays.
  • ADVOCATE: Initiate a conversation with us if you'd like to bring PYP to your student's classroom. Contact Mae Early, Director of Education Programs & Services.
  • VOLUNTEER: We're always looking for folks to help out with various events and activities throughout the year. Contact Lindsay Mauck, Managing Director.
  • DONATE: All of our programs are offered at subsidized rates or at no cost. We rely on the generosity of donors to make this possible. Give a gift of any amount in support of our work.

Engage with us right now!

Listen to our youth-centered podcast to hear directly from young people about important topics ranging from gender identity, eating disorders, and policing to the pressures of school, fitting in, and growing up with a sibling on the spectrum. 

Our Mission

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

Our Programs

Students often first encounter us in their schools, where we partner with educators and administrators to deliver in-school programs as part of the regular school day. Our in-school programming is called the Core Program. Over the course of up to 25 hours, students work on writing and revising plays.
Core Program
Educators and administrators can also bring in shorter residencies focused on monologue writing. Over the course of up to three visits, Monologue Workshops introduce students to the art of monologue writing. 
Monologue Workshops
Students in both of these programs, as well as students who do not participate in a program, are invited to submit their writing to be considered for development and production. Selected playwrights work with theatre professionals to bring their plays to life for public audiences.
Public Productions
Play submissions are accepted through May each year and are considered for production the fall. Monologue submissions are accepted each December and are considered for production in the spring. All students who submit plays in the spring receive a page of individualized feedback from a member of our Literary Committee.
Page to Stage
Finally, PYP conducts many different out-of-school programs on site and in the community. These range from one-day workshops to weeklong summer camps and yearlong mentorships for our most committed writers.
On Site Programs
Community Partnerships
Picture
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© Philadelphia Young Playwrights - 1219 Vine Street, Floor 2 Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-665-9226
Fax: 215-665-9228 Email: info@PhillyYoungPlaywrights.org
  • About
    • Mission & History
    • Programs >
      • In School Programs
      • Annual Playwriting Festival
      • Classes & Mentorship Programs
      • Community-Based Programs
    • People
    • Podcast
    • Alumni
    • Supporters
    • Press
    • Careers
    • Donate >
      • Works in Progress: Dourdan
      • Works in Progress: Pryor
      • Works in Progress: Jackson Jr.
      • PYP Store
  • Classes
  • On Stage
  • Resources
    • PYP at Home
    • Quarantine Challenge
    • For Students >
      • Submit your Play or Monologue
    • For Educators
    • For Parents
  • Blog