Young Theatre Makers: A Free Summer Performing Arts Workshop

This summer, Scranton Fringe Festival and Youth Arts Coalition are teaming up to offer something special for the next generation of artists.

Young Theatre Makers is a free, two-week performing arts intensive designed for students in grades 6–12 who are ready to explore their creativity, build confidence, and collaborate in a supportive, ensemble-driven environment.

Guided by teaching artist Simone Daniel, participants will work together to create original performance material from the ground up. Through a dynamic mix of improvisation, writing, movement, and rehearsal, students will transform ideas into fully realized scenes—culminating in a live performance of their own work.

Simone Daniel is a writer and director whose theater work has been produced across the United States and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She is a passionate advocate for ensemble-based creation and has developed original work with companies including Scranton Shakespeare Festival, New Vintage Ensemble, and Scranton Fringe Festival. Simone also brings extensive experience as a costume designer and in film and television production. A dedicated teaching artist, she is passionate about arts education and fostering creative collaboration at every level. She serves as the YAC x Scranton Fringe youth theater director, having wonderfully brought to life Hadestown: Teen Edition (2025) and The Outsiders (2026).

The Youth Arts Coalition (YAC) empowers young people across NEPA to create, perform, and lead through free workshops within the performing, visual, and musical arts. Scranton Fringe is proud to work with YAC on their youth theatre productions. YAC connects middle and high school youth with working artists, mentorship, and real performance opportunities that build confidence, creativity, and community. Click here to visit the YAC website. 

What to Expect

Throughout the program, students will:

• • Devise original theater pieces as an ensemble

• • Explore storytelling through movement, writing, and improvisation

• • Build skills in voice, character development, and stage presence

• • Learn the fundamentals of playwriting and performance

• Work with guest artists through special pop-up workshops

• • Collaborate in a creative process

No prior experience is required—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try. This free workshop is perfect for any student who wishes to become a better theater maker!

Hadestown: Teen Edition, 2025

Program Details

Dates: Tuesday, July 7 – Saturday, July 18
(No classes Sunday, July 12)

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily

Location:
West Scranton Youth Center
1621 Washburn Street, Scranton, PA

Required Tech Rehearsal:
Friday, July 17 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
at The Sanctuary Theater
1735 N. Main Ave, Scranton, PA

Final Performance:
Saturday, July 18th at The Sanctuary Theater
(Students report at 1:00 PM; performance at 6:30 PM)

Cost: FREE

Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–12

⚠️ Limited Space — Register Now

Space is limited, and we expect this program to fill quickly.

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/PKQ5pVooGHhnX7os5

Whether a student (grades 6-12) is brand new to theater or already loves being on stage, this is their chance to write, direct, perform—and make something unforgettable.