Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Young Playwrights’ Theater
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 6925 Willow Street NW
City: Washington
State: District of Columbia
Postal Code: 20012
Main Phone: 2023879173
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://youngplaywrightstheater.org/
Employer ID Number: 52-2102391
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/26/25
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Youth Playwriting Programs
Project Description:

Everyone deserves access to a high quality theater education. Founded in 1995 by award-winning playwright Karen Zacarías, Young Playwrights’ Theater inspires young people to realize the power of their own voices. YPT believes that creative expression and theater are valuable tools for the education, enrichment, and self-actualization of young people. We serve 900 low-income DC elementary, middle, and high school students annually in our in-school, afterschool, and summer programs that guide youth through the fundamentals of playwriting towards the creation of their own play. We then bring in professional actors to perform our youth’s work, validating their voice and celebrating their vision.

YPT programs address the literacy and socio-economic needs deepened by the pandemic, bringing youth-centered theater programming to schools in DC that do not have programs of their own. Recognizing that art is inherently powerful, YPT equips young people to realize and use the power of their own stories in ways that positively transform them, their audience, and their community.

The youth we serve report greater confidence (93%), higher rates of engagement at school (82%), and measurable growth in ELA proficiency, as shown in a study performed by educational psychologist Dr. Barry Oreck, who found that “[YPT] program’s success in overcoming differences in socio-economic status, English language skills, and attitudes toward writing… demonstrates playwriting as a productive, coherent part of the English curriculum, supporting literacy standards while opening a door to self-expression, empathy and empowerment.”

With your support, 900 students will receive comprehensive theater programming, learn the fundamentals of storytelling and playwriting, and gain the tools, support, and confidence they need to become stronger writers and performers. YPT will engage youth in educational opportunities that promote confidence, skill development, and address the achievement gaps caused by the lack of robust arts education in DC schools.

Total Project Budget: $354,486

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Clark-Winchcole Foundation, Corina T. Bailey Foundation, Herb Block Foundation. Potential: Find Your Light Foundation, Kaplan Family Foundation, Morningstar Foundation, Share Fund, Fowler Memorial Foundation

Project Duration: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Geographical Area Served: Washington, DC
Age Group To Be Served: 8-24

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Matt
Contact Last Name: Volk
Contact Title: Development Manager
Contact Phone: 2023879173
Contact Email: mvolk@yptdc.org