Seattle Rep is committed to putting theater at the heart of public life by fostering meaningful connections with young audiences, educators, and community members. Our youth Education Programs this season aim to engage, inspire, and develop the next generation of theatergoers and theater makers through diverse and inclusive initiatives.

^{Post-show Actor Talk following a Student Matinee performance of August Wilson's Two Trains Running (2018).}

Student Matinees: Bringing Youth to the Theater, and Theater to the Classroom

Seattle Rep's Student Matinee program connects young audiences in Seattle and the surrounding areas with our mainstage productions. By providing arts-based knowledge that meets academic standards, we create multiple entry points for students to experience live theater. At just $10 per student, we keep this opportunity affordable, with additional discounts available for schools in need.

Seattle Rep's Student Matinees align with our mission to reflect and elevate diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences. Our goal is to build the next generation of theatergoers by offering affordable and accessible experiences that promote empathy, cultural understanding, and an appreciation for the performing arts.

Our Student Matinees include:

• In-School Residencies led by experienced Teaching Artists, which help students explore the themes of each play and encourage them to draw connections to their own lives.
• Youth Guides that provide dramaturgical education and align the themes of each production with State and Common Core Standards.
• Preview Tickets for Educators to see the show ahead of time, ensuring they are prepared to guide their students' learning experience.
• Post-Show Actor Talks where students have the opportunity to ask questions and delve deeper into their theater experience with artists from the show.

Check out the full schedule of 2024/25 Student Matinees here!

Teen Nights: Building Community Among Young Theatergoers

In partnership with TeenTix, Seattle Rep offers Teen Nights for every Bagley Wright Theater show in our 2024/25 Season. Held on Friday nights, these events feature a pre-show reception with food and an educational component, often themed to enhance the experience and build community among young theater enthusiasts. TeenTix members can attend these events (and bring a friend or family member) for just $5 each, fostering accessibility and inclusivity for all teens.

Teen Nights aim to bridge the gap between teenage theatergoers and adult audiences by creating a sense of ownership and community among young people. By nurturing these connections, we hope to sustain their engagement with theater well into adulthood.

Find all of our 2024/25 Teen Nights here!

^{Lelena Moore in the 2023 Next Narrative Monologue Competition. Photo by Sayed Alamy.}

Next Narrative Monologue Competition: Elevating Student Voices

The Next Narrative Monologue Competition (NNMC) engages students in exploring contemporary themes through monologues written by some of America's leading Black playwrights. Organized nationally by True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta, this program provides a platform for students of all backgrounds to find their voices and engage in the rich tradition of Black storytelling. Any high school student in Washington State is eligible to enter Seattle Rep’s regional competition.

Seattle Rep's NNMC aligns with our mission to collaborate with extraordinary artists and elevate diverse voices. By providing a free program open to high school-aged youth of all backgrounds, we create an inclusive space for Black and queer youth to express their unique experiences.

The program timeline is closely aligned with the school year:

• Fall 2024: Registration opens
• January 2025: Online preliminaries
• February 2025: Coaching workshop at Seattle Rep
• March 2025: Regional Finals
• May 2025: National Finals in New York City

Learn more about how to sign up here!

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As part of Seattle Rep’s new three-year strategic plan, throughout the season ahead our staff will be observing, assessing, and developing new sustainable theater programming. This involves studying education programs at other regional theaters to understand their opportunities, challenges, and best practices around both free and paid programs for youth and adults. Our goal is to design sustainable programs that align with Seattle Rep's mission and community needs.

For more information about our programs, schedules, and how to get involved, check out seattlerep.org or contact our Education department. Together, let's continue to make theater a space for everyone to learn, grow, and be inspired!