Valley Playwright Mentoring
A theatre program for teens with stories to tell & things to say!
Engage your community with the stories that matter to you!
Valley Playwright Mentoring (VPM) is an afterschool theatre program for teens ages 13 and up. No previous theatre experience is required!
Participants create a performance or podcasts based on stories from their lives that is shared with the community. Teens who complete the program receive a stipend. Space is limited to 12 participants per group.
"What feels most important about Valley Playwright Mentoring to me as an Artistic Mentor for a group of teens in Holyoke is that my co-leader Ashley Rodriguez and I work to create a safe space. Once the teens feel safe, that allows them to discuss the issues they're facing and communicate with each other. Knowing they are being heard goes a long way to helping them navigate their incredibly complex lives. VPM gives them an opportunity to develop their own voice as artists and as young citizens in a way that is authentic to them." - Jason Montgomery, Artistic Mentor, Valley Playwright Mentoring, Holyoke
Learn more about the program
"Thank you for the great experience [our daughter] had with the group . . . It's a wonderful opportunity for kids." - Melinda McCreven, Greenfield
Holyoke Troupe 2025
Holyoke Troupe 2024
Chef's Choice: VPM Greenfield 2025 Production
"I enjoyed the show . . . Amazingly talented youngsters! What a great opportunity you're giving them. Wishing you all the best in continuing to offer this gift to the community."
- Mary Newton Rose, Greenfield
VPM Podcast Library
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1 (Note some scenes may be more suitable for ages 13+)
VPM is offered in Greenfield, Holyoke and Shelburne Falls
Greenfield on Tuesdays, 6 - 8 pm
Open to all teens ages 13 - 19!
Rehearsals take place at LAVA (Local Access to Valley Arts) on Main Street.
Shelburne Falls on Mondays, 6 - 8 pm
Open to all teens ages 13 - 19!
Rehearsals take place at Water Street Barn, 31 Water Street.
Have questions?
To request more info, please call (413) 625-6569 or use our contact form here
How Does it Work?
Rehearsals are once a week for six months. During the first couple months, participants will develop confidence sharing their stories and learn performance skills like improvisation, becoming a character and storytelling. In December and January, these stories will be shaped into a theatrical text by the participants in collaboration with a professional playwright. Then, as the production approaches in the spring, the final text will be decided on, the play will be cast, and a touring production created. By sharing stories from their lives, participants have the opportunity to help their peers who will see the show and understand their struggles in a different way.
A typical rehearsal
A typical session includes:
- A check-in where each participant shares experiences from the past week
- Physical and vocal acting warm-ups
- Theatre games and trust exercises
- Improvisation of serious issues/discussion topics introduced by the participants
- Development of script with professional playwright
- Rehearsal of script created by students
Inspiration
VPM is inspired by Barrington Stage Company’s Playwright Mentoring Project which has been making a difference in the lives of young people since 2001. Other inspirations include Boston's Urban Improv and other long-standing programs around the world that leverage the power of theatre to help young people take more control of their own lives.
Outcomes
While developing the performance, participants in VPM heighten their:
- conflict resolution skills
- empathy
- self-awareness
- impulse control
- cooperation skills
Photo Credits: Creative Arts at Park
Support for VPM
VPM is grateful for the support of:
- The Community Foundation of Western MA
- Massachusetts Cultural Council
- Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice
- Horace A. Moses Foundation
- Mass Humanities
- Art Angels of Western MA.
Charles H. Hall Foundation