Updated: May 2023
program overview
This collaborative program between Arena Stage and the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing is a phenomenal opportunity for grieving teens in grades 9-12 to share their voices, perform on stage, learn about their grief, educate others about grief, and build relationships with their peers. Teaching artists and a grief therapist will support ensemble members onsite during all rehearsals.
Over four months, teens will participate in weekly sessions to develop a script about their feelings, thoughts, memories, and experiences of death-related losses. The program will culminate in a performance of their script at the May 2023 Voices of Now festival and the Wendt Center community forum.
2023 Performance Dates
- Arena Stage Voices of Now Festival – May 17-19, 2023
- Wendt Center Grief Forum – Sunday, May 21, 2023
2023 Creators & Performers
Name & Grade
What do you want people to know about your grief?
Who are you dedicating your Voices of Now work/performance to?
Timothy, 8th Grade
KIPP DC – Valor Academy
“It takes some time to be able to fully process your grief, so give yourself time.”
Uncle Dontae
Samhari (Mhari), 9th Grade
Home Schooled
“It was rough, but I eventually got through and am still getting through it. It takes time and isn’t always easy, but you will get through it.”
Uncle Boo
Lia (Lily), 9th Grade
Jackson-Reed High School
“Grief can still impact you even if the loss happened a long time ago. It may look different but it’s still real.”
Birth Parents & Grandmother
Sophia, 12th Grade
Holton-Arms School
“My grief process has not been linear. Sometimes there are days when I feel totally fine, and others when I am completely shut down and numb. One of the lessons I have learned from grieving is the importance and value of empathy, even from total strangers.”
Mom & Little Brother (her “biggest supports in life”)
Drew, 12th Grade
Home Schooled
“People should know that they don’t have to feel alone. You can process it and not let it stop your life too much.”
Mom Aprille & Cousin Tyrone
Jae’Layah, 12th Grade
KIPP – College Prep
“Grief hurts and that’s normal. It can be very lonely and it affects the way you see and feel about the world.”
Grandmother Patricia Ann
A special thank you to to Arena Stage directors/devisers Fareed Mostoufi and Rebecca Campana and Wendt Center grief therapist Pam Leiber and clinical intern Aaryn Kopp.
Applications
Applications are now closed.
- Format: In-Person
- Date & Time: February 21, 2023 – May 21, 2023; Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 pm
- Location: Arena Stage (1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC)
- Cost: Free
- Vaccine/Mask Policy: All participants must be vaccinated. Exceptions are made for medical or religious reasons. Masks are mandatory.
Community service hours are provided to participants who complete the program.
Email questions to shandel@wendtcenter.org.
2022 Annual Benefit