Young Playwrights' Theater (YPT) inspires young people to realize the power of their own voices.

Founded in 1995 by award-winning playwright Karen Zacarías, we believe creative expression and theater are valuable tools for the education, enrichment, and self-actualization of young people. YPT believes that young people are inherently brilliant and we exist to share that brilliance with the world.

Writers at Play

A unique approach to writing to enhance school-day instruction.

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Writers at Play

Fun and creative playwriting curriculum for Grades 3 to 12, featuring synchronous and asynchronous options to integrate into all virtual classrooms.

  • High quality videos

    8 engaging instructional videos that guide your learners through our five-scene playwriting process.

  • Downloadable Resources

    Fillable worksheets support student brainstorming, character development, storyboarding, and more.

  • Teacher Guide

    Support as you deliver curriculum to learners through synchronous or asynchronous teaching.

Digital Playwriting Program

Creative storytelling beyond the end of the school day.

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Digital Playwriting Program

Live-taught playwriting workshops for Grades 3 to 12 to support after-school creative engagement.

  • Live YPT Teachers

    12 workshops live-taught virtually by YPT Teaching Artists on our Zoom video conference platform.

  • Downloadable Resources

    Fillable worksheets support student brainstorming, character development, storyboarding, and more.

  • Peer Engagement

    Constructive peer feedback and self-evaluation integrated in lessons for playwrights to develop their skills.

The Playwrights' Lab

You're never too old to be a young playwright in YPT's adult courses.

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The Playwrights' Lab

A series of live-taught evening courses for beginning to advanced adult playwrights.

  • Meet on Zoom

    Live taught virtually by YPT Staff on our Zoom video conference platform.

  • Group Discussion

    Write and discuss each week's topic with peer playwrights.

  • Bonus material

    Provide and receive anonymous written feedback to support future revision.

YPT's Virtual Course Categories