Youth Programs
Dwight/Edgewood Project
The Dwight/Edgewood Project (D/EP) is a community outreach program of Yale Repertory Theatre and David Geffen School of Drama. Created in 1995 by theater management student Ricardo Morris (’97), D/EP pairs middle school students from New Haven schools with students from the Geffen School, who serve as mentors in an intensive four-week playwriting program.
Modeled after the 52nd Street Project, students learn the basics of Playmaking, spend a weekend away at a writing retreat to complete their plays, and return for a rehearsal and tech process. The process culminates in two evenings of fully produced performances open to the public. Through its values of community care, joy, curiosity, empowerment, and equity, D/EP has helped to develop over 200 original plays written by young people from the Dwight and Edgewood neighborhoods of New Haven.
In 2024, D/EP hosted a conference and reunion in celebration of the legacy of the late program manager Emalie A. Mayo. In 2025, D/EP celebrated its 30th anniversary season.
Dwight/Edgewood Project is supported by the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation and the Esme Usdan Community Youth Fund.
WILL POWER!
WILL POWER! is Yale Rep’s annual educational initiative, designed to bring middle and high school students to see live theater. Since our 2003–04 season, WILL POWER! has served more than 20,000 Connecticut students and educators. In 2024, we will offer programming centered on Lloyd Suh’s The Far Country to New Haven Public Schools students and educators. In previous seasons, the program has included early school-time matinees, free or heavily subsidized tickets, study guides, and post-performance discussions with actors and members of the creative teams. WILL POWER! is committed to giving teachers curricular support through free workshops and professional development about the content and themes of the plays.
Educators may contact Amy Boratko at 203.436.9098 or amy.boratko@yale.edu.
WILL POWER! is supported by the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation, the Esme Usdan Community Youth Fund, and the NewAlliance Foundation.
Photo Credits
Tiffany Villarin in peerless by Jiehae Park, directed by Margot Bordelon. scenic design by Christopher Thompson, costumes by Sydney Gallas, lighting by Oliver Wason, sound design and original music by Sinan Refik Zafar, projections by Shawn Boyle, technical direction by Sean K. Williams, and stage management by Victoria Whooper. Photo © Joan Marcus, 2015.
Dwight/Edgewood Project photo by Emalie Mayo.
WILL POWER! photo by Marguerite Elliott.
Yale Repertory Theatre photo © T. Charles Erickson.