Educational Theatre

Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble (CLYTE) is a collaboration between Expect Respect and Creative Action. Since 2003, CLYTE has offered original theatrical productions written and performed by youth artists and activists. Each year, the ensemble is paid to write, rehearse, and tour a brand new show around the themes of healthy relationships, social justice, and violence prevention, reaching up to 3,000 audience members across the greater Austin area.

The Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble (in collaboration with Creative Action)

“I liked that the show addressed problems we all face and actual problems teens face every day.”
– Audience member, 8^th grade

“I was so impressed with how masterfully you negotiated complex concepts with middle-school students! It was so inspiring to see how many meaningful and profound ideas you covered in a short time. What a huge impact you have on young people’s lives!”
– Social and emotional learning coach

High-school students audition each summer and rehearse throughout the school year to create original productions for middle-school audiences in the Austin area. Performances are designed for groups of approximately 200 students and encourage teens to be active bystanders and take a stand against discrimination, violence, and abuse in their schools and communities. One-hour run time includes 45-minute performance and 15-minute post-show discussion.

Every year, the ensemble creates an original play centered on pressing issues in the lives of young people. Please contact Claire K. Redfield at credfield@safeaustin.org if you are interested.

For even more information, please click here.