Now recruiting LAUSD high school students and UCLA students

Apply now

About

Join us this summer at UCLA for a free, weeklong theater workshop where high school and college students come together to create bold, funny, and honest performances about mental health, sexual health, identity, and empowerment. No theater experience necessary—just bring your voice, your insight, and yourself.

  • Dates: July 21–25, 2025
  • Time: 9:30 AM–3:30 PM daily
  • Location: UCLA Glorya Kaufman Hall (120 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095)
  • Perks: Lunch is included every day, as well as a daily $20 Target gift card stipend.
  • Culminating event: Final performance at UCLA on the evening of July 25.
  • Bonus: At the end of the week, students who attend every session and participate fully will receive a formal certificate of completion, suitable as part of a job portfolio, resume, or college application.

We’ll explore urgent topics through games, skits, writing, improv, and conversation. We’ll then craft an original performance to share what we’ve learned. This is a space to express yourself, connect with others, and make your voice heard.

Apply now

Frequently Asked Questions

Any LAUSD high school or UCLA student is welcome. Whether you’re brand new to theater or have tons of experience, you just need to be ready to give it your all.

Yes, but don’t worry! You’ll have support every step of the way. This is a fun, collaborative space, and we’ll help everyone shine in their own way.

Yes, totally free! We’ll even provide lunch and a $20 Target gift card each day to offset the cost of travel expenses.

In addition to building confidence and community, you’ll earn a certificate of completion that confirms and celebrates your role as a youth educator and performer.

If taking public transit, several bus lines take you to the UCLA Ackerman turnaround, which is just a short walk away from our building. For more details: https://transportation.ucla.edu/getting-to-ucla/public-transit

If driving, drop-off and parking is at Parking Structure 4 (221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095). The stipend can cover the cost of daily parking permits.

We can help troubleshoot if transportation is a barrier.

We expect full attendance so you can get the most out of the experience and participate in the final performance.

Yes. We have consulted with the LAUSD HIV/AIDS Prevention Unit through every stage of development and have full support and approval.

Contact

To learn more, please reach out to Isaiah at ibaiseri@ucla.edu.

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate an understanding of mental health, sexual health, and HIV/STIs and how artists are in a unique position to affect tangible change and improved health outcomes in these areas. Students will do this through the creating and sharing of activist performance work on these topics.
  • Identify the unique health challenges that Los Angeles youth face. Through collective research from the CDC and California Health Department and focus groups, we will collect ideas and strategies for addressing urgent health issues that will influence the creation of individual and group creative activist-art projects.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the power of performing arts and theater, including personal narrative by creating and actualizing an original, educational performance work.
  • Understanding and demonstrating the etiquette and culture around being a performer and ensemble member, including communication skills with fellow cast members, time management, punctuality, and performance preparedness. 
Download Flyer