“I am my own story.”

The number one rule of marketing is “It’s not about the company, it’s about the customer.” In this case, the customer is you (the reader) and our youth. Simply put, we think we’ve designed a website that makes it easier for you experience how determined, passionate, and eager our young people are to be successful. And how they are succeeding.

This website is their story.

We built a website, but the youth are doing the hard work to give it purpose. They are writing what needs to be said. They are standing up to be heard. We hope this website is at least a small way to help our young people take back their stories. Their identity. Their dignity. From those that would speak for them.

If you can only give us a few minutes online each month, I’d ask that you follow our “Stories” page to read and share what our youth have to say – the untold truths of their communities, histories, and future.

John Armstrong, Director of Operations

What we do is heavy, meaningful work. Many times, it’s hard to write about heart-wrenching stories. About the histories and traumas of our youth confront and redefine every day.

But there is joy. How do we capture the magic that happens on stage? Kids being vulnerable. Sharing their experiences and stories with their peers for the first time?

You’ll see our new brand imagery is black and white in the background with bold colors up front. We created this look to take the kids out of their history, their backgrounds that have defined them in the past and let you see the powerful, brave actors that they are.

We hope these images help you feel the joy that our young people feel everyday.

Cydney Cleveland, Director of Production

---

“Music without Metal Detectors”

Theatre is not an accessible art form. As soon as we’ve commuted from the train, checked our coats, had a heart attack that we’ve lost our tickets, stood in every line in the building, and contorted past dozens of knees into our seats, actors take their final bows and the stage goes dark. Theatre disappears the moment it’s made, and if it’s going to be gone that quickly shouldn’t it at least have a ‘next episode’ option?

Theatre inside of justice facilities—now that’s a mess of accessibility. Our lines are through metal detectors and our RSVPs require verification with a state ID.

Yet, you still come. You, wonderful audience, come to see our youth because you know it’s worth it. Because you want to listen to, support, and accept these youth while they are inside. And because their art is as real as it gets.

Our youth’s work should always be easy to access. With this website, listen to the songs they’ve written, watch videos of the shows they’ve created, and learn more about the reality of court-involvement and what Storycatchers is doing about it.

It’s all right here. No tickets or metal detectors required.

Tory Davidson, Community Engagement Manager