Rooted in Black oral tradition and centering Black experience, Black is the Light is an ongoing series of classes, workshops, festivals, and networking opportunities intentionally designed to cultivate local talent and create bridges for young Black and POC artists between academic learning and the professional world.
Black is the Light is open exclusively to students who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), with the goal to engage and inspire BIPOC youth in our community to explore their identity and tell their own story, using artistic mediums including storytelling, poetry, and movement as a source of healing and to harness joy.
Questions? Contact our Youth Engagement team.
Current Sessions
In response to our youth and inspired by last year’s Youth Fest original play, “Party in the Bathroom,” Seattle Rep presents “AAPI Voices.” This class includes a writing and devising session (January-March) and a performance session (April-June). Acknowledging the traditional arts of Asian and Pacific Island cultures, as well as the contemporary issues facing young people in the AAPI community, the original piece will be presented June 3 and 4 at Seattle Rep's Youth Fest.
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Black is the Light North
Seattle Rep
- Devising: Thursdays 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., via Zoom through March
- Rehearsal: Thursdays 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., at Seattle Rep, April through June
- Performances: Seattle Rep Youth Fest, June 3 and 4
Past Workshops
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SO YOU WANNA BE A SUPERHERO:
Harnessing your inner power through physical and mental wellness
Dates: January 11, 13 & 15, 2021 from 4-5:30 p.m. PT
Ages/Grades: Ages 11-19
Teaching Artists: Melany Bell, Alex Lee Reed
To say that 2020 was a “difficult year” would be an understatement at best. In this workshop, thank the year we’re leaving behind for its lessons, harness your strength, and launch into 2021 with fresh new energy and collective healing. In this three-day workshop, students will explore the many facets of wellness through story, song, movement, meditation, and self-analysis, and heighten the inner power that makes us everyday superheroes.
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RAISE YOUR VOICE PERFORMANCE PROJECT
Dates: Saturday December 5 & Sunday, December, 2020 6 from 2-4 p.m. PT
Ages/Grades: Grade 6 through age 19
Teaching Artists: Dedra Woods, Allyson Lee Brown, Alex Lee Reed
Utilizing aspects of performance poetry and storytelling, students will work together with teaching artists to create and perform an original work.
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THE ART OF STORYTELLING
Dates: Wednesday, November 18 & Thursday, November 19, 2020 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. PT
Ages/Grades: Grade 6 through age 19
Teaching Artist: Dedra Woods
Students will engage with their own history (present and future) through exercises in writing, performing, engaging an audience, and preserving their stories.
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PERFORMANCE POETRY: PEN OVER PAPER
Dates: Monday, November 16 & Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. PT
Ages/Grades: Grade 6 through age 19
Teaching Artist: Allyson Lee Brown
Exploring rhythm, body language, and the power of their own voice, students will create, practice, and perform original pieces of performance poetry.
Leah Thomison and Thea Frances Yumang performing in Party in the Bathroom at the Youth Works Festival 2022.