Teen Studio :
Theatre for Social Change
This dynamic summer theatre program invites young artists to create, collaborate, and perform in a three-week intensive focused on storytelling and theatre for social change.
Participants will receive: hands-on training in acting, improvisation, dance, movement, as well as technical theatre like makeup & costume, set carpentry, and light & sound, all while working with professional artists and guest instructors. Students will gain real stage experience with three performance opportunities, along with a professional headshot and two complimentary tickets for family or friends to attend the final performances.
The full program is offered at a $50 cost to participants and is made possible through the generous support of the Crossroads Foundation and Free Street Theater, whose commitment to youth arts and community storytelling helps make this opportunity accessible to the next generation of theatre makers.

Youth Program Submision
Program Timeline
March 16th-May 1st 2026
Application Opens
Applications open for young artists eager to explore theatre, storytelling, and performance. Spots are limited, apply early to join the ensemble.
May18th , 2026
Acceptance
Applicants are notified of their acceptance into the program and welcomed into the summer ensemble.
June 8th–26th, 2026
Program Begins
June 26th-28th 2026
Final Performanes
Participants gather for three weeks of workshops, collaboration, and creative development as the program officially begins.
The program culminates in public performances where participants share the original work they developed throughout the program.
Weekly Agenda
Week 1
Creation
The program kicks off with an exciting week of creativity, collaboration, and bold storytelling. Participants will explore Theatre for Social change while shaping the themes that will guide the work we create together. Christian Alexander leads a dynamic workshop in puppet making and storytelling, bringing imagination and craft together onstage. Gina Cioffi energizes the room with improv and collaborative storytelling, helping the ensemble discover their voices and build powerful stories as a team.
Week 2
Laboratory
This week invites participants to experiment, explore, and deepen their creative work in a collaborative theatre laboratory. Gina Cioffi guides participants through etudes and movement-based storytelling through dance. Christian Alexander leads acting sessions exploring monologues and scripts, helping performers bring character, voice, and emotional truth to the stage.
Week 3
Program Begins
This week brings the work together as participants refine their pieces and prepare for performance. Workshops include set, makeup and costume design, community outreach, and lights and sound. Participants will also explore the business of theatre and professional development. The week culminates with rehearsals, tech, and full run-throughs as the ensemble prepares to share their work.
June 26-28th 2026
Final Performanes
The program culminates in an exciting week of final performances, where participants share the original work they have created throughout the program. After weeks of workshops, collaboration, and rehearsal, the ensemble takes the stage to present stories that reflect their voices, creativity, and vision. These performances celebrate theatre as a tool for social change. Audiences are invited to witness a bold showcase of new work brought to life by the next generation of artists.
