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CFA YOUTH IMPROV
CFA Youth Improv is a theater improv after-school program that serves teens, 13-18 in the DC, MD, Virginia area. Students study the techniques of improvisational theatre and social justice theatre while also seeing professional regional theatre. Taught and led by professional improv actors and CFA Repertory Theatre teaching artists, CFA Youth Improv is rooted in providing a safe space for youth to fully express themselves creatively through the art of comedy and social justice theatre while introducing them to the foundation of theatre performance. The program culminates into a final sharecase, The CFA Youth Improv Slam, bringing together all student participants to share their newly learned theatre skills.
IMPROV TEACHES:
Leadership
Public Speaking
Creativity
Social Emotional Learning
Conflict
Resolution
The CFA Youth Improv Program does more than teach performance—it creates space for young people of color in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to explore their voices, their emotions, and their agency through the healing modality of improvisational theatre. In neighborhoods where opportunities are often limited and trauma is too often prevalent, CFA provides a powerful alternative: laughter, expression, trust-building, and creativity.
APRIL HENSON
PROGRAM MANAGER, BORIS LAWRENCE HENSON FOUNDATION
I believe the CFA Youth Improv residency is a vital program, one that not only hones artistic talents but shapes the next generation of leaders who will approach the world with empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to creative expression. It is an honor to support this work and to witness the profound impact it has on the participants. I am eager to see the continued growth and success of CFA and the young artists it serves.
REGINALD DOUGLAS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, MOSAIC THEATRE
WHAT OUR COMMUNITY IS SAYING
WHAT OUR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ARE SAYING:
All theatre involves some improvisation, but specific classes and interventions using improv skills have shown improvements in 21st century skills and increases in divergent thinking and uncertainty tolerance, a necessary skill to make informed decisions, and a correlate of mental health.
— THALIA R. GOLDSTEIN, PH.D., DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
JOIN OUR CFA YOUTH IMPROV MAILING LIST TO STAY IN THE KNOW OF FUTURE PROGRAMMING
PAST YOUTH IMPROV PROGRAMS
HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED AT:
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DC Parks and Recreation
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Dunbar High School
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Maya Angelou Public Charter School
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KIPP DC College Prepatory
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Cardozo Education Campus
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Washington Leadership Academy
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Perry Street Prep PCS
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Duke Ellington School of the Arts
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Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
