The Blank Theatre is a non-profit that is committed to the enrichment of Hollywood’s cultural life through production of first-rate theatre, education of current and future artists, and creation of groundbreaking new works for the theatrical repertoire.  Every June, The Blank hosts the Young Playwrights Festival, a nationwide playwriting competition for writers aged 9 to 19.  Winning playwrights are assigned an industry mentor and work with professional directors and actors before ultimately seeing their plays staged in front of a live audience.  The Blank has helped shape so many young people's lives, and a short documentary about the process can be seen here.

As part of the Festival, The Blank has created a flagship Apprenticeship Program with tremendous opportunities for participants.  Each summer 12 to 18 students (including returning military veterans) from around the world are given invaluable hands-on immersion training in theatre as an integral part of the production team. They are stage managers, assistant directors, design assistants and are offered a unique opportunity to work with 12 different directors during the month-long Festival.

Last year, Gratitude Collaborative was a sponsor for the Apprentices (seen in the photo above). They work so hard behind the scenes, and the Young Playwrights Festival couldn't happen without them!

For more information about The Blank Theatre, visit www.theblank.com.

-- LB xx