Registration is now open for YES Theatre’s newest educational program, the Young Playwrights Circle.
Through creative and thought-provoking writing exercises, aspiring young playwrights aged 14 to 20 will learn about the different elements of playwriting and how they can be shaped and brought together to create a complete piece written for the stage.
The participants will also be guided through how to offer constructive feedback to their peers.
By the end of the eight-week program, the playwrights will have written the first rough draft of a play, and an excerpt to be performed as a staged reading in the eighth week.
“I am thrilled to be adding this new program to our education offerings,” said artistic director Alessandro Costantini.
“As we continue to welcome more young people into our spaces, we try to showcase the many facets of a life in the theatre. We know the young people in our community are brimming with original stories and experiences that deserve to be brought to life on stage. We can’t wait to help develop the next generation of Canadian playwrights and theatre creators!”
Instructor Sarah Miller graduated from York University in 2023 with a BA in Theatre Performance Creation, specializing in Dramaturgy. Miller also serves as the stage manager and education co-ordinator for YES Theatre’s Young Company.
Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent and a writing sample. The submission deadline is Monday, Dec. 15. Successful applicants will be notified by Dec. 19.
The course will run from 5-8 p.m. over eight consecutive Wednesday evenings, from Jan. 7 to Feb. 25.
More details about the application requirements, as well as an overview of the course content, can be found at yestheatre.com/young-playwrights-circle.