Life Stories for Disadvantaged and At-Risk Youth

Everyone has a story to tell and a voice that deserves to be heard.

Through training in acting, storytelling, screenwriting and directing, The Theatre Lab's Life Stories Outreach Program teaches incarcerated and at-risk youth to create original dramatic works using their own life experiences. Using art as a lens through which to evaluate past decisions and future choices, Life Stories trains young people to develop an original film or play based on significant memories, occurrences, and people in their lives.

According to Life Stories participants, the opportunity to creatively re-envision one’s past is a powerful agent of change, frequently transforming a young person’s self-perception from troubled victim to competent artist.

Our Life Stories youth programs serve disadvantaged and severely at-risk youth, incarcerated and transitioning teens, sexual offending youth, emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth, recently-arrived immigrant girls, youth in foster care, and children of parents overcoming substance abuse.

More than 400 young people have shared their stories through original films and performances since The Theatre Lab introduced this program in 2001.

Current Programs and Partnerships

Past Programs and Partnerships

Reviews and Commentary

New Partnerships

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