WST and Philly Inquirer Announce New Student/theatre Writing Program

The Walnut Street Theatre and The Philadelphia Inquirer are excited to announce an innovative, new collaboration aimed at introducing local high school students to the art of theatre and writing. One hundred qualified students (grades 9-12), along with an adult mentor of their choice, will be invited to attend all five of the Walnut's 2010-2011 Mainstage productions. With a focus on writing and critical thought, the students will be asked to submit a critique or feature article after each production with the chance of being selected for publishing in The Philadelphia Inquirer. The year-long program will also include several exclusive, behind-the-scenes events both at the Walnut and at the home offices of The Inquirer. The goal of this unique program is to create a deep and meaningful shared cultural experience for both student and adult alike.

Participants will:
• Receive complimentary subscriptions to attend all five of Walnut Street Theatre's 2010-2011 Mainstage Productions with an adult (parent, guardian, relative, teacher, mentor, clergy, etc.) The Walnut's 2010-2011 season consists of Kander and Ebb's Curtains, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Amadeus, Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps and Miss Saigon.

• Submit a review or feature article for each show. Selected articles will be featured on Walnut Street Theatre's website and published in full-run and student editions of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

• Attend three exciting, project-related events, including a kick-off reception and panel discussion with writers from The Inquirer.

For more information, or to apply to be part of this exciting program, visit: www.walnutstreettheatre.org/education/perspectives

This project is made possible through the The Engage 2020 Innovation Grants Program. This program is supported by The Wallace Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts and The Philadelphia Foundation, and is a program of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance's research and marketing initiative Engage 2020.