Rogue Pack storytelling theatre workshop & Love is Stronger: keeping youth out of gangs and on a healthy path

Rogue Pack’s (RP) mission is to create a community where youth transcend social barriers by taking ownership of their stories through theatre arts. RP facilitates storytelling theater workshops for underserved populations. This project is in partnership with another nonprofit organization, “Love is Stronger” which is run by gang veterans to support gang-impacted youth and their families to discover mentorship, education and strength so they choose love over violence.
RP’s staff of theatre professionals help youth write their unique stories then aid them in developing a script through writing and performance workshops in script creation, organization, editing, directing and the rehearsal process. Youth receive a complete collection of their stories and art, bound into a book or zine and a community-based performance of their own work.

RP’s programs include storytelling theatre workshops to write and devise a performance. Creative activities and prompts help youth write their stories. Each session introduces theatre games, story exercises and performance elements designed to foster self-confidence, spontaneity, imagination, and the ability to work in groups.

RP workshops at all our partnering organizations are similar; with 15-18 hours per session from Fall to Summer, capped with a performance and publication. We tailor schedules, length, and content of our programs to the needs of each organization and population.
RP will return to youth-based writing and theatrical programs in the following year with four new partnerships to give a new cycle of under-served youth the opportunity to create and perform their stories.

All RP programs provide youth with an opportunity to develop communication and interpersonal skills through writing, reading, public speaking, movement and improv, build youths’ self-esteem by providing a safe environment where their artistic expression is developed and realized, developing patience, empathy, and communication skills, gaining a broader perspective on life.

RP programs boost community-building skills in teens and communities by exploring and sharing their perspectives by partnering with youth organizations in Portland metro focused on underserved populations. From district programs at Title I schools for children in poverty to the Multnomah County Department of Justice we contribute to reductions in racial-ethnic disparities; and residential mental health treatment centers and homeless facilities where trauma processing may emerge.
RP Partnerships are at facilities and institutions which provide treatment for young adults and adolescents struggling with addiction; to give support for youth identifying as LGBTQIA2S+ in Multnomah  County, build healing for Portland youth and families of gang-impacted youth; and bring together youth and elderly to help each other write and share their stories

RP’s purpose is to provide youth of all backgrounds and income levels access to high quality theatre arts programs. We provide space for underserved youth from all over Portland Metro to express themselves, to create and perform their inner stories. RP advances inclusion and equity because we target youth from diverse backgrounds. Our partnerships over the years have been at Title I schools, residential treatment centers, detentions, in DHS/foster care, homeless, youth who identify as LGBTQ, BIPOC, and who experience mental health issues and disabilities.

Participants' self-directed scripts give audiences a view into the internal lives of youth to whom they may not have access otherwise, challenging expectations. Performances then allow youth to be seen by the larger community who witness powerful stories and become aware of artists’ struggles and potential.
Participants' self-directed scripts give audiences a peek into the internal life of youth who are “acting out” or street kids we pass every day but wouldn't think of speaking to. We see the inner life of at-risk youth and it's not what we'd expect. RP gives an open forum in which to express themselves. The audience in turn is educated.

After performances, RP facilitates a chat back and reception where audience and performers from diverse backgrounds mingle and “transcend social barriers.” Youth cross social barriers working together and conversing with audiences after the show. RP’s mission is to create a community where youth transcend social barriers by taking ownership of their stories through theater arts. Storytelling workshops allow these youth to be heard by the larger community, breaking down barriers of isolation, fostering understanding and acceptance.