STUDENT LAB PORTAL

📌 The Youth Performance Lab Programs

Empowering young voices through poetry, performance, and mentorship.

At The Youth Performance Lab (YPL), we provide young people with a creative space to explore self-expression, build confidence, and develop artistic and leadership skills. Our programs focus on spoken word, theater, movement, digital media, music, and visual arts, allowing students to explore their creativity while learning real-world skills.

Each season, we offer different creative arts labs, with a different featured program each session. Below are our upcoming programs as well as details on our current session.

📢 Currently Enrolling!

Words & Stages (Spring/Summer Labs)

📌 What Students Will Experience in Words & Stages Lab

✔ Spoken Word & Slam Poetry – Students will learn the art of performance poetry, writing and delivering powerful spoken word pieces that reflect their experiences, creativity, and unique voices.

✔ Theater & Stage Production – Students will co-write, direct, and perform in an original stage play, learning scriptwriting, acting, set design, and stage presence.

✔ Poetry Slams & Competitions – Students will participate in a mid-season poetry slam in April and have opportunities to compete locally and nationally in spoken word competitions.

✔ Publishing a Book & Documenting the Journey – Students’ original work will be compiled into a published book, documenting their growth, creativity, and experiences throughout the program. Their journey will also be filmed and archived, showcasing their transformation over the season.

✔ Field Trips & Live Performances – Exposure is key! Students will attend local theater productions, poetry slams, and creative workshops to expand their artistic vision.

✔ End-of-Season NYC Broadway Trip – In June, students will travel to New York City for an unforgettable experience, where they will:
🎭 Attend a Broadway show
🍽️ Enjoy a formal dinner experience
🎤 Engage in behind-the-scenes theater exploration

✔ End-of-Year Awards Banquet & Celebration – Every student’s hard work will be honored at our formal awards ceremony and banquet, where they will be recognized for their growth, leadership, and artistic achievements.

📅 Schedule & Location

📍 Location: Fort Stanton Recreation Center
📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays (5 PM - 7 PM)
📅 Some Scheduled Fridays (5 PM - 8 PM)
📅 Every 3rd Saturday (11 AM - 2 PM)

🥘 Hot Meals Provided – Students come straight from school and stay until 7 PM. We provide hot meals at every session because a nourished mind is a focused mind.

🚌 Field Trips & Off-Site Performances – Students will attend poetry slams, live theater performances, and cultural experiences as part of their creative journey.

📌 All students must have a DPR Membership Card for check-in and a DC One Card for field trips.

🚀 How to Join Words & Stages Lab

✅ Step 1: Complete the YPL Registration Form – 🔗 Register Here
✅ Step 2: Attend the Parent Information Session (Live or Recorded Here)

📌 Once registered, students will receive an invite to our GroupMe Team Chat for updates and community engagement.

YPL Creative Labs – Coming Soon!

🎭 Explore. Create. Express.

At The Youth Performance Lab (YPL), we believe that creativity comes in many forms. Our Creative Labs provide students with the opportunity to explore dance, improv, film, music, writing, visual arts, and more—helping them discover their passion while developing real-world skills.

📌 Check out our upcoming Creative Labs below!

The Creative Canvas Lab

(Visual Arts & Set Design)

A place for young artists to explore painting, drawing, sculpture, and set design.

📌 What students will do:
✔ Experiment with painting, drawing, and mixed media
✔ Design sets, props, and stage decor
✔ Showcase their work in an art exhibition

The Storytellers Lab (Readers & Writers Club)

A lab for book lovers, young writers, and aspiring poets to explore the magic of storytelling.

📌 What students will do:
✔ Read and analyze diverse stories & poetry
✔ Learn creative writing techniques
✔ Publish a student-led anthology

Reel Stories Lab

(Film & Digital Media)

A hands-on introduction to filmmaking, video production, and digital storytelling.

📌 What students will do:
✔ Learn scriptwriting & visual storytelling
✔ Operate cameras, lighting & sound equipment
✔ Edit & produce short films & digital content

Laugh Out Loud Lab (Comedy & Improv)

A space where creativity and humor collide! This lab teaches students the fundamentals of comedy.

📌 What students will do:
✔ Participate in improv & comedy exercises
✔ Learn character development & storytelling
✔ Perform in a comedy showcase

Frame the Moment Lab

(Photography)

A hands-on experience in photography, lighting, and visual storytelling.

📌 What students will do:
✔ Learn camera techniques & composition
✔ Explore portrait, landscape & action photography
✔ Create a photo gallery exhibition

Makerspace Lab

(DIY Creative Arts & Crafts)

A hands-on space where students explore handmade crafts, upcycling, and DIY projects.

📌 What students will do:
✔ Experiment with handmade art & craft techniques
✔ Work with fabric, wood, and mixed media
✔ Create personalized projects & home décor

Move & Groove Lab (Dance & Movement)

A high-energy lab where students explore dance styles, movement storytelling, and performance techniques.

📌 What students will do:
✔ Learn different dance styles
✔ Develop freestyle & choreography skills
✔ Build stage presence & movement expression

Voices in Harmony Lab

(Community Choir)

A space for young singers to develop their vocal skills, harmonize, and perform as a group..

📌 What students will do:
✔ Develop vocal techniques & harmony skills
✔ Learn choral singing & stage performance
✔ Perform in a live community showcase

Stay Connected & Get Involved!

✨ Want to be the first to know when our Creative Labs open for enrollment?
Subscribe to stay updated on new programs, upcoming events, field trips, competitions, and exclusive opportunities for students and families!

✔ Early Access – Be the first to hear about new sessions and special events.
✔ Exclusive Updates – Get behind-the-scenes news and student spotlights.
✔ Community Announcements – Stay informed about volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and ways to support YPL.

Get Involved & Support YPL

YPL is powered by community support and mentorship! Whether you want to volunteer, mentor, or help behind the scenes, there are many ways to make an impact.

📌 Ways to Support:
✔ Volunteer with our programs & events
✔ Mentor & inspire young creatives
✔ Help with fundraising & outreach

Every contribution—big or small—helps us continue creating safe, creative spaces for our youth. Thank you for being part of the village! 💜🚀

Support YPL

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