YPI in the Classroom

Write A Play! Workshops for Students

Why teach playwriting?  Because playwriting is exciting and excitement means that students learn. YPI's Write A Play! Workshops offer a variety of ways to get students thinking, sharing ideas, and having fun at the same time. But it doesn't stop there. Educators regularly report that Write A Play! has literally set the stage for dramatic improvement across the curriculum.


Why does Write A Play! have such outstanding results?  Because Write A Play! begins with one profoundly simple truth: every student has something to say. For many students, that's not just a whole new way of thinking about school, it's a new way of thinking about themselves. When young people know that their ideas matter, they become intent on getting those ideas heard.


Why is Write A Play! so successful in reaching even academically challenged students? Because YPI Teaching  Artists are trained in our acclaimed approach to teaching playwriting. Students understand that they are creating of their own work of art by expressing their personal world view, and that's a powerful motivator.


Why book Write A Play! Workshops instead of any other? 
YPI is why.  Teaching young playwrights is what we do.

Write A Play! Residency

An extensive program of script development spread over 13 class meetings. Teaching Artists trained in YPI's innovative techniques guide students through the process of writing a play. Each Residency provides 13 contact hours in three separate classes of up to 35 students.

Write A Play! Jump Start

The Jump Start is a concentrated version of the Residency in which YPI Teaching Artists meet with three separate classes for five consecutive days. In Jump Start, students begin writing scenes and develop an outline for a play to be developed under the direction of the classroom teacher.

Write A Play! One Day (or Two Day) Jam

The Jam formats provide an inspirational introduction to playwriting and self expression, as well as offering an exploration of craft for students with an expressed interest in theater arts.  The Jam works well in schools with active drama clubs or departments; a Weekend Jam is a great way to get students on their feet and working together; it also gets students who can work independently started on plays. A Jam will also work in schools with limited arts exposure; YPI will provide curriculum materials for teachers to continue building on the momentum generated by the Jam.

To contact us:

Phone: 212-307-1140
Fax: 212-307-1454
Email: [email protected]