There are plenty of youth who write and create. Some do it quietly on their own; others seek out opportunities and communities within the classes, programs, and workshops offered in schools and local organizations. How can their work be elevated further? How can we encourage that work on a larger scale? What do young creatives need to be supported?
These questions have been on my mind for quite some time. I began thinking of them while running a statewide youth playwriting festival and these questions propelled me through a doctorate and established footing for my classroom pedagogy (despite recurring dreams that I’m not actually qualified for either…). I love providing a creative forum for my students and want to do more.
The Young Playwrights Map never really took off. There was one high school playwright a few years back who submitted her work to my festival, but also two others that were in completely different geographic locations, but on the Map. I assume they used the site, but have no way of actually confirming it. And while nearly 4,000 people have viewed it, the Map has been in existence for 7 years, so that annual average is not significant.
Where are the youth writers? Where do they go to seek guidance and opportunity? Is it YouTube? Reddit? Is there a podcast, or individual who provides the kind of advice they want? Or maybe it’s something I’ve never heard of? I would like to connect with them and find out what support they may need, and if they even need it. Their mentors, too: teachers, teaching artists, etc… Any leads or suggestions are much appreciated.