Youth Company

The Union Arts Center Rising Leadership Cohort is a paid leadership opportunity for ages 15–22 who are passionate about the arts, community, and social justice. As part of this pilot program, you’ll help shape the future of youth programming at Union Arts Center by dreaming up bold new ideas, collaborating with peers and professionals, and building an Impact Project to bring your vision to life.

This cohort is designed for emerging leaders who want to make theatre more inclusive, responsive, and youth-centered. You’ll gain hands-on experience with program design, philanthropy, community engagement, and evaluation — all while connecting with theatre professionals and changemakers across Seattle.

About

MISSON: To cultivate youth expertise on what theatre has to o􀀁er young people, and to develop philanthropic and leadership capacity to create meaningful, equitable programming. 

VISION: A more porous, welcoming, and youth-powered Union Arts Center, grounded in community connection and galvanized by young leaders. 

●  Collaborate with a team of 8–12 youth from across Seattle to design a community-focused Impact Project
●  Learn about philanthropy, nonprofit arts organizations, and evaluating community impact
●  Envision the mission, vision, and values of future youth programming at Union Arts Center
●  Connect with staff, artists, and leaders at Union Arts Center and beyond
●  Explore core questions like:
○ What does it mean to make theatre — and who is it for?
○ What does a just and joyful theatre space look like for youth?
○ What stories need to be told, and who should be telling them?

Program Details

Applications are open now!
Applications due Monday, September 8 by 8pm.
We will select the cohort by September 12. The program will begin Sunday, October 5, 2025 and end Sunday, November 16, 2025.

In-person participation is mandatory. We will have seven 2-hour long sessions at Union Arts Center. Between sessions, there will be at least 8 hours of additional independent work (reading, reflection, activity logs, observation, planning, etc.)

There will be a $750 honorarium for each participant. To receive full compensation, cohort members must attend at least 5 out of 7 sessions and complete 15 total hours of engagement.

The Rising Leadership Cohort will meet at Union Arts Center, home of ACT and Seattle Shakespeare – 700 Union Street, Seattle, WA 98101.

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for leaders ages 15–22 with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences — especially those who bring curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and a social justice lens.

We aim to build a geographically and experientially diverse team of passionate young people who want to be part of building something meaningful from the ground up.

How to Apply

Please complete the application form by Monday, September 8 at 8pm. No cover letter required. Resume optional.

Past Youth Productions

Theatre: Dead or Alive?! Mockumentary

In 2023-24, 2 remarkable teens inaugurated the positions of Young Core Company Representatives. Fish Harrison and Hersh Powers led youth engagement efforts on a variety of fronts, and were inspiring, galvanizing artistic leaders.  

Their biggest project was a hilarious, absurd, deeply heartfelt mockumentary. With the participation and support of ACT staff and bringing together talented young artists from around the region, this mockumentary is a brilliant piece of storytelling that deserves to be seen by all those who love ACT, youth theatre, and short films! 

For up-to-date info:

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Questions?

Contact Anna Klein, Education Manager at anna.klein@unionartscenter.org

Keep our programs accessible!

All Education & Engagement programs are pay-what-you-choose.