Worcester Teens Take The Stage Tonight: Free Original Theatre Showcases Youth Voices

Twelve local teenagers are ready to take the mic and share their raw, real experiences of growing up in the city today.

Beginning tonight, July 10, and running through Saturday, July 11, The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts’ WYSH Project (Worcester Youth Speak Honestly) will present three free public performances at the BrickBox Theater inside the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), located at 20B Franklin Street.

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The upcoming shows are the culmination of nearly 100 hours of collaboration, vulnerability, and creative exploration.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Founded in 2021, the WYSH Project uses creative youth development to give Worcester's teenagers a platform to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities they face. Since April, this year’s cohort has been working under the guidance of co-facilitators Diana Khong and Monica Risi to write, craft, and rehearse an entirely original piece of theatre based on their lived experiences.

The program has proven to be deeply impactful for the youth involved.

"I learned that I'm capable of expressing and letting other people know my passion, my history, and many more things without feeling ashamed or embarrassed," shared one teen participant.

Another added simply: "Thank you for creating this program; it quite literally saved my life."

Beyond fundamental acting training—like vocal projection and storytelling—the program focuses on building community and empathy.

“The WYSH Project has been a transformational program over the last six years,” said Sharon Hart, Vice President of The Hanover Theatre Conservatory and the founder/producer of the project. “Students are empowered to find their individual and collective voice and share it with their community."

What to Expect & How to Attend

• Where: BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), 20B Franklin Street, Worcester, Mass.
• When: Three showtimes spread across tonight (Friday, July 10) and tomorrow (Saturday, July 11).
• Cost: Free, though advance reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited.
• The Talk-Back: Each performance will be followed by a live Q&A session with the cast, allowing the audience to engage with the teens directly about the topics raised in the show.

The impact of the program extends far past this weekend. Every participant receives a scholarship to continue their training with classes at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory, keeping the cohort connected long after the final curtain falls.

The WYSH Project is made possible through community support from The Hanover Insurance Group, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and Middlesex Savings Bank.

Want to go? Head over to TheHanoverTheatre.org to grab your free tickets before they fill up.