Urban Improv

CONTACT:

8 St. John Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-232-1175
www.urbanimprov.org

Kippy Dewey, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

When Boston’s urban youths enter eighth grade, 94% have seen somebody arrested, 90% have seen beatings, 64% have seen drug deals, 41% have seen stabbings, and 34% have seen someone shot! These facts set the stage for Urban Improv, founded in 1992 in collaboration with the Boston Public Schools, and modeled on a successful community outreach program of Washington D.C.’s Arena Stage. Its aim is to prevent youth violence by using improvisational theatre workshops to engage students thoughtfully and constructively in addressing gritty issues — bullying, gang violence, teen pregnancy, homophobia or substance abuse. UI has worked with over 20,000 young people from 50 schools and community groups throughout Boston and New England, but its influence extends far beyond even that. Widely recognized as a national leader in its field, UI hosted a national conference on youth violence with the Harvard School of Public Health, with another scheduled for 2006; its TV show “RE: ACTION” won a New England Emmy Award; it has received a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, and was a national semifinalist for the White House “Coming Up Taller” award. If you are concerned about the scourge of youth violence, here is a winner you can help support.

(2005: HUMAN SERVICES: Children and Youth: General)