Youth Play Institute (YPI)

HartBeat’s Youth Play Institute, or “YPI,”  is a professional paid internship in community research, acting, playwriting, sound and light design or stage management for young adults between the ages of 16 and 21 years old. Youth work collaboratively to develop and express their perspectives about social justice topics and engage audiences through a political lens. Participants are paid a stipend. Academic college credits available from select institutions.

“YPI taught me to think on my feet in a nurturing environment. I was able to learn from peers as well as the directors of the program. We engaged in hard conversations that touched on issues of race, religion, and abortion. During conversations, we were able to process our meaningful conversations into action on the stage. During the program, we visited local Hartford cornerstones; in visiting, we learned the crucial ways someone can make an impact and how an impact can be started by having hard conversations. I am grateful for the experience, the wisdom, and the friendships I have gained from YPI and hope my experience will encourage others to join.”   Emma Lemieux, 2026 Participant