What We Do

Methodology

We apply the same methodology to each of our programs, customizing our curriculum in response to site needs.

Serving a diverse community

The artist-to-child ratio in all our programs is approximately 1:6. Within each of our programs we assemble groups of youth who are not only diverse racially, ethnically and socioeconomically, but who may also be differently abled and/or have behavioral, academic and language differences. By bringing together children who otherwise would never interact, our programs promote tolerance, understanding and respect for each other and all peoples. In addition, our School Project and Neighborhood Arts Project bridge geographic boundaries to bring together kids from different parts of the city and, often, rival gang territories.

Curriculum

Our curriculum consists of creative writing, art, movement, vocal and improvisational theater exercises that strengthen focused listening, foster collaboration and introduce participants to the elements of creating a play. All programs culminate with free art shows and public performances of participants' original theater pieces.

* The program's first half - creative tools and the basic elements
* The program's second half - the creative process
* Saturday Family Workshops and Theater Field Trips
* Camping/ Rehearsal Retreat
* Our Artistic Staff

The program's first half: Building creative tools and the basic elements

In the program’s first half, Artist Leaders guide students through an innovative syllabus of exercises that introduce multiple arts disciplines and the elements of creating a play. Exercises include: theater games, creative writing, improvisation, voice, performance art, drawing, and dance & movement; these exercises enable students to learn experientially and develop oral and written communication skills.  Initiated in 2008, our Integrated Movement component exposes participants to culturally diverse contemporary and traditional dance forms, yoga and expressive movement techniques that expand artistic repertoire.

In the second half of the program, students take the lead in the creative process. Supported by Artist Leaders, participants write original short plays inspired by important issues in their lives, communities and the world at large. They develop characters, dramatic structure and conflict, select roles, compose dialogue and create sets. Writing and performing plays allows students to experience the rewards of attaining goals through self-discipline and enables them to express themselves constructively, non-violently and with greater confidence. Past themes include racism, gang violence, family relationships, drug/alcohol abuse, dating, teen suicide, peer pressure, teen pregnancy, music, self-mutilation, civic involvement, poverty, the environment, bullying, domestic violence, immigration rights, war, and education budget cuts.

We challenge students to articulate to their families and communities what is on their minds, and to develop constructive outcomes for the issues they raise. For middle-school youth facing enormous peer pressure and the challenges of becoming teenagers, the plays are also a chance to explore the implications of the life choices they are making. 

Saturday Family Workshops & Theater Field Trips

Saturday arts workshops for participants and their families promote creative interaction between parents/guardians and children, using improv, drawing, writing and movement. Objectives include strengthening communication within families, increasing parental involvement in the program, and inspiring appreciation for the arts among families and community.

The majority of participants have never seen a professional play, and seeing high quality productions stimulates their imaginations and provides tangible examples of the ideas and techniques we teach, raising commitment levels and expectations participants place on themselves and each other.

Camping/Rehearsal Retreat & Culminating Performance

One of the most important components of our flagship program, The School Project,The 3-day Camping/Rehearsal Retreat in the mountains is a program highlight. It is well supervised, well organized, incredibly full, and a lot of fun. Students rehearse their plays, create sets, hike, swim,tell campfire stories, and participate in music, drumming, yoga and dance workshops. Artist Leaders and teachers serve as counselors, assisted by high school and college Alumni Mentors. The Retreat provides a chance for youth from different backgrounds, cultures and parts of the city to get to know and appreciate one another in a safe environment. For most participants, the Retreat is their first experience out of the city to explore nature and form indelible memories.

Back in the city, the school groups gather again for the Culminating Performance at a professional theatre, followed by a community reception. Participants acknowledge their achievements at a Closure Workshop. Additionally, every year we provide scholarships for up to 10 students to attend summer programs at Idyllwild Arts & the Norris Center for the Performing Arts.

The Inside Out artistic staff comprises 36 professional actors, writers, directors, singers, dancers, musicians, visual and media artists selected through an interview and audition process. A special effort is made to recruit a diverse and bilingual staff. Selected Artist Leader Trainees are required to complete 20 training sessions in our curriculum and methodology and make 4 site visits in preparation for joining a site team.

Artist Leaders participate in workshop groups; team-lead exercises; establish/maintain weekly phone contact with participants and their families; co-direct youths’ plays; attend pre- and post-workshop meetings; participate in an annual workshop exercise training marathon and in-service trainings about content standards, youth & behavioral issues, etc.; and attend post-session evaluation meetings.

In addition to Artist Leader responsibilities, the Site Leader oversees the preparation of project materials for workshops; serves as a liaison between site administration and Inside Out; oversees pre- and post-workshop sessions; assigns weekly artist and participant workshop groups; facilitates artist relations; supervises Youth Artist Leaders; and directs play creation.  Inside Out values the importance of mentoring and maintains an artist to participant ratio of at least 1:6, ensuring each child receives personalized attention.

In March 2008 we published a comprehensive Artist Leader Training Manual with anaccompanying DVD. In addition to the manual, we have implemented a Master Trainer Program, and we now have four certified Master Trainers who can teach and support new Artist Leaders in-house and in new territories.