Youth Theater for Change

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

In 2011, the Clackamas County Juvenile Department (CCJD) partnered with Clackamas County Arts Alliance and North Clackamas School District to sponsor Youth Theater for Change (YTC) – a program that provides a unique experience for Clackamas County youth who have had contact with the juvenile justice system. A component of Youth Arts for Change (YAC), this program offers youth an opportunity to write, produce and perform in an original play for the community, based on their own life experiences and the general challenges youth today are faced with in our communities. In 2012, the youth chose to write a play called Choices that included monologues about a choice they made and how it affected their lives. YTC offers participants a chance to gain positive life skills and confidence while channeling their energy and expressing themselves through a new creative outlet. The program provides adjudicated youth with a unique way to meet their required community service obligations. Their participation in YTC gives youth an opportunity to learn and practice sustainable skills and interests. Low self-esteem and poor social skills are common traits of youth who participate in YTC. This experience has helped youth find their voice and learn how to express themselves appropriately.