Voices of Now is an after-school teen drama initiative for the Southwest community in which participating youth study improvisation, play-building and acting techniques. Instruction is offered through three month-long after-school programs as well as multiple single-visit workshops that are available to Southwest schools, churches and community organizations.

Students have the opportunity to audition for the Voices of Now Ensemble. This select group of student performers meets for 12 weeks in the spring with the goal of building an original performance to be presented at Arena Stage. The Ensemble is an opportunity for more experienced students to be challenged artistically and further develop their performance skills.

Arena Stage currently partners with Jefferson Jr. High School in Southwest D.C.


Moving Stories focuses on promoting literacy skills in students ages four to fourteen through the use of creative dramatics, storytelling and playwriting. Arena’s education staff visits participating classes twice a month for the majority of the school year. The staff also works closely with local teachers and reading specialists to create customized drama instruction for each grade level in the program.

For more information, please call (202) 234-5782 or email education@arenastage.org.