Social Impact Programming

Seattle Children’s Theatre launched this partnership in fall 2018 with KCJD in tandem with our production of And in this Corner: Cassius Clay by Idris Goodwin. With the teaching artist as their guide, justice-involved youth explore the themes of the production and work as a cohort to create their own artist response to the show. The residency included a session with Mr. Goodwin where students could ask questions about the writing process. The cast of CASSIUS CLAY performed a staged reading in the facility so students could feel the incredible energy of the production. Since then, SCT teaching artists continue to work with students on ensemble building, improvisation, and other student interests. Starting 2019, students participating in our residency program receive a free class at Seattle Children’s Theatre and 2 free tickets to one of our mainstage shows so they can continue their engagement in theatre.

“It’s delightful to work with SCT’s staff and to experience their passion and commitment to working with the young people in our community. I’m also impressed with the youths’ openness to live theatre as an art form, as a method for deepening awareness and empathy, and for telling stories that resonate with their own lives. This program has been a positive growth experience for many of the young participants, and one that they will surely carry with them into their adult lives.” – Karen Kinch, Volunteer Coordinator, King County Juvenile Detention

SCT will continue to be at King County Juvenile Detention twice a year to instruct residency and workshop experience for youth.

What the students say:

“This program has inspired me to write some awesome poetry and improve my play on words. Also, this program provided me with the amazing experience of not only seeing the actors perform the play And In This Corner: Cassius Clay, but also meet the playwright himself, who I personally thought was really cool and learned a lot from.” – Student Participant

“One thing I got from working on this play is learning how to work together with other people. I was learning about how racism played out during that time and how black people couldn’t participate in life with white people, like how Cassius couldn’t eat at the diner. I also learned that anything you put your mind to, like Cassius, you can do it. He wanted to learn how to fight so he went to the boxing gym and eventually did it professionally.” – Student Participant

Performances brought to King County Juvenile Detention Facility:

And in this Corner: Cassius Clay
The Dairy of Anne Frank

In the News:

Embracing the Blank Slate: 6 Cornerstones for Residencies with Justice-Involved Youth
TYA/USA

Champion's Childhood Tale Packs a Punch with Kids in Detention
Roll Call

This partnership is made possible by the generosity of donors like you. To contribute to social impact programming, please consider donating to SCT so we can continue this meaningful work. Donate here.

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS)

The Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services serves a unique population of Deaf mothers and their children that have survived domestic violence. Guardians come to ADWAS for support and advocacy, but sometimes in the midst of trying to get the family settled the kids feel very scared and alone. These children, some Deaf, some hearing, but all signers come together in a safe environment where they can express themselves in their first language of ASL

Seattle Children’s Theatre launched this partnership in July 2017 with Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services. Each semester SCT hosts 3 after school enrichment classes for students grades K – 12 that are instructed in American Sign Language. With the teaching artist as their guide, students explore the boundless creativity of their imaginations, learn the fundamentals of acting, meet guest artists, and attend an ASL interpreted performance of two of SCT’s mainstage season productions.

SCT will continue to be at ADWAS twice a year to instruct afterschool enrichment experiences for youth.

“…Many [students] cannot do after school activities due to being out of district and need to leave with the bus. For some, this [ SCT afterschool program] is the only time they leave their apartment… Why? The answer is teaching artist, Andrew Wilkes! He makes everyone feel welcome. He can communicate in ASL so there are no language barriers. He is patient and respectful of their culture and sensitive to the emotions that might arise and intuitive how to handle it…I have seen them grow in the short period of the class, opening up more and getting more confident with every session. Acting is perfect for Deaf kids because it is so visual. Some kids look forward to this all week, as it is their only activity...They come from all over because not only is this a wonderful opportunity, it’s the only program that offers opportunities for Deaf and Children of Deaf Adults in the area during the school year…

"I can’t tell you how valuable it is for Deaf children to be able to NOT have to look at the interpreter while in the class. They can gain so much more knowledge and understanding of instruction not having it filtered through an interpreter especially for acting… So many of our families do not even have cars and some cannot afford gas or bus tickets to make it all the way to the Seattle Center. Let alone be able to pay for acting classes. You are giving these kids a gift and we are so thankful. Thank you so much SCT, what a great experience!”

Nancy Edney
Children’s Advocate, Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS)

This partnership is made possible by the generosity of donors like you. To contribute to social impact programming, please consider donating to SCT so we can continue this meaningful work. Donate here.