A Co-production of Academy of Music and Play Incubation Collective 

• Queer-Identified Youth 
• Ages 13 – 18 
• Tuition: TBA 
• Saturdays 10am – 11:30am 
• March 28 – May 31, 2026
• Performance Sunday, May 31, 2026 
• Instructed by Sarah Marcus 
• Rehearsals will take place at the Academy of Music Theatre, and occasionally at another nearby location (TBA). 

The Brave Space Project is a unique opportunity for queer teens to create an original ensemble theater project, and is a collaboration between the Academy of Music Theatre and Play Incubation Collective. 

Inspired by their own stories, interests, and imaginations, teens will explore improvisation, writing exercises, movement, poetry, and more in order to build a cohesive ensemble performance piece to be shared at the end of the program. Emphasis will be on collaboration and building performance skills. 

No previous experience necessary, just a willingness to be part of a creative ensemble. 

This program will be an opportunity for local queer youth to amplify their individual and collective voices and share their own stories. Unlike more traditional youth theater experiences where the material is written by adults, the Brave Space Project empowers and centers the participants as makers. The ensemble will work together to create and perform their own original theater piece that speaks directly to the community, exploring the themes that are most important to them.

This program aims for participants to: 

1. 1. Collectively create a piece of devised and improvised theater, from inception to performance, based on their own stories and experiences instead of using a pre-existing script or being confined to expectations from previous productions (theater by the youth, not just for the youth).
   2. See themselves as “makers” of art and as storytellers.
   3. Gain collaboration, improvisation, and performance skills.
   4. Foster a strong sense of community and build a network of peer support amongst queer teens.
   5. Experience a supportive and uplifting in-person creative outlet for queer teens.

• Refund Protocol: The $15 registration fee in addition to 50% of tuition is considered a deposit to claim your spot and is non-refundable.

• No refunds will be given after March 14, 2026.

ENVIRONMENTAL SENSORY ADVISORY

Below are some environmental aspects of these programs and their activities. While there are elements we do not always have the ability to adapt for every experience, we are happy to discuss and explore potential options for your child should these or other aspects of the process raise concerns. 

• Loud Sounds – These programs will often involve amplified music and sounds. Individuals’ voices may also become amplified through use of microphones. There will be many kids singing, speaking, and playing together in large groups that can create a noisy environment.

• Bright Lights – Participants will be performing on stage under theatrical lighting. These lights are bright and often shine from multiple angles. We will also often be under fluorescent “work lights” for most of the day. 

• Large Groups – These programs are typically large group activities that involve many kids together at once in a shared space (often around 30+ kids)