At Risk Youth Arts and Education Program

K-12 STEAM Education

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative

At-risk youth often come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and many of them struggle to find their footing in society. They may face various challenges such as poverty, poor academic performance, and a systemic society.

The Ledge Theatre understands the crucial role of Arts in Education and has taken various steps to promote it among at-risk youth. including acting, directing, stagecraft, and writing with a strong empasis on improvisational theatre. We aim to provide a clear, and productive program with opportunities for young artists to perform and showcase their talents, which helps build confidence and self-esteem. We strive to help many young individuals in Los Angeles find a sense of purpose and direction in life, giving them a new sense of hope and belonging. We as BIPOC and LGBTQIA teachers, board members and the founder herself wishes to pay everything we have learn forward with this program through example.

We are proud to be located in the heart of Los Feliz in Los Angeles. We are also very aware of not only the houseless situation with youth but the persistent issue of young people who are susceptible to getting trapped in the criminal justice system. If The Ledge Theatre's At-Risk Youth Theatre program is successful, Central L.A. will experience a shift in how its residents view and support its young people. Participants will learn how to use the power of theatre to communicate their stories, thoughts, and ideas, gaining a platform to share their perspectives with the community. In turn, the community will have the opportunity to hear from young people who they might have otherwise dismissed or overlooked in an inviting environment at our theatre and educational workspaces

To ensure the success of our at risk youth theatre programming, we have developed a comprehensive plan for measuring our impact and identifying areas for improvement. First, we will establish clear program goals and ciriculum that align with our mission and values. These goals will be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, and will be developed in collaboration with our program staff, participants, and Impro Theatre. Next, we will collect and analyze data on program outcomes using a variety of methods, including surveys, focus groups, and participant interviews. We will also seek feedback from parents and caregivers to ensure that our programming is accessible and responsive to the needs of families. Finally, we will use our data to communicate our impact to funders board of directors and the broader community. We will develop clear and concise reports and share this information through social media, community events, and other channels.

The Ledge and Impro will work hand in hand (as they have been doing since the start of 2023) in implementing safe and environmentally theatre-friendly surroundings at 1727 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles 90027. Impro staff will also collaborate with the Ledge Theatre for the smooth operation of The At Risk Youth Program with their volunteers.