Speak Up, Act Out:

Celebrating Student Voices

Amplifying student voices through creative writing

The performing arts play a vital role in young people’s lives, especially in times of great conflict and social unrest. Speak Up, Act Out centers student voice, agency, creativity and activism.

Speak Up, Act Out Residency:

Speak Up, Act Out is offered for 5-, 10- or 15-sessions residencies, led by a team of New Victory Teaching Artists and customized for each classroom to meet every student’s needs. Additional resource materials are available for free to New Victory Education Partners. Led by a team of New Victory Teaching Artists, these residencies for middle and high school students aim to:

• Discover the views and achievements of artist activists from yesterday and today
• Explore dynamic ways of becoming young activists through the arts
• Inspire students to channel their authentic voice
• Create supportive spaces for student agency through creative writing
• Celebrate the artistic work that’s created when student voices are centered

The framework for the 10- and 15-session residency:

• Artivism and Inspiration: Students examine and define activism, artivism, justice and advocacy.
• Our Social Issue: Students come to consensus on a hyperlocal issue to focus on as a collective
• Artform Exploration: Students discover and land on performing artform(s) that will support the advocacy messages they determine
• Planning and Rehearsals: Students plan and organize the action(s) to advocate for change and rehearse their original works
• Stand Up, Stand Out: Students hold a Town Hall or Happening as a culminating event, activate the action plan, and reflect on the residency experience