Screenwriting doesn’t always start with a script, but maybe with a story that turns into a script. For those who are interested in creative writing, screenwriting, or scholastic writing, Writopia Lab is for you.

Writopia Lab is a platform and program based in DC, NYC, and San Francisco that supports young people with a passion for creative writing. They believe in cultivating the next generation of writers by giving youth an outlet to express their desires, frustrations, and visions in their creative writing pieces.

Writopia Lab offers a range of programs, including creative writing workshops that cover screenwriting and essay writing, as well as private workshops that strengthen youths' writing skills. Their workshops usually take place during the school year on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays while offering summer programs starting in June. Youth can start the workshops at ages 7 to 18.

Writopia Lab is not free, but they do support youth with scholarships for the programs that they have. So if you are interested in this program, don’t wait. Writopia Lab wants to see youth succeed in a career and a passion for writing. If you have a story you want to develop or want to learn the basic skills for creative writing, sign up now to experience the resources that Writopia Lab offers. 

Many actors are seen on screen, but there are so many other actors who are heard off-screen. For those who dream of becoming a voice actor or singer, this resource is for you!

Genevieve is a Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer. As she continues her career in the voice-over actor industry, she has also built her own business, sharing her expertise. Genevieve hosts workshops, audits, and teaches kids and young adults about the technique it takes to act behind the camera. From her summer program that focuses on voice-overs and even mini talks about how the industry works and how to get paying gigs. Genevieve aims to see others like her succeed.

She is based in Maryland, but her classes are all virtual, so travel should not be a problem. And if you’re thinking you're too young, no worries, there is no age limit. Sign up for her summer classes today. Each class varies in price, but expect to receive everything you need to be successful in this industry. Genevieve is great at coaching and comes recommended. By doing her summer classes, you’ll expand your horizon and be set up for success. 

For those who are highly interested in singing, voice over acting, etc, her email is genevieve@genevievegoings.com.

Sydney Sharp, a high school Junior attending the Baltimore School of Arts in their Filmmaker Program,  is also breaking into the industry with her new short series, “The Newspaper.” The Newspaper is a comedy mockumentary series about a group of high school juniors who are trying to get their newspaper off the ground, but their teacher makes it difficult for them to meet their deadline. Sydney’s goals for this project are for people to laugh, relate to the characters on screen and share her project with other passionate filmmakers.

Based on Sydney’s passion for screenwriting, she can now take this idea further into production with a grant from Y-CAM at DCIFF. Y-CAM believes in supporting young filmmakers, giving them the ability to showcase their talents and storytelling skills, and as Sydney continues to move through the process of production, DCIFF has supported her vision and given her the confidence to continue. “DCIFF has been very kind and generous in helping me as I create this project” Sydney said and she will use the grant to get professional people on set so her peers can experience a professional film set.

Sidney’s childhood was surrounded by theater and she fell in love with the history of cinema, which sparked her interest in storytelling. Accolades include participating in the National History Day Competition for three consecutive years, culminating in a win last year for a documentary she produced about women in film. She’ll always tell herself to keep writing, experience every opportunity she can, and write what she knows. Her goal is to become a director, but she is exploring other career fields, such as a Showrunner, Screenwriter, and Producer. 

If you want to support Sydney Sharp, please visit her social media links and stay tuned for The News Paper release, as I’ve heard it’ll be out in May on YouTube. 

Follow Sydney on Instagram: @sydneysharpstudios

I heard some of y'all don’t have plans for the summer. The Theater Lab is now accepting applications for its Summer Teen Training Institute. So if you want to learn more about acting, then keep reading!​

The Theater Lab is a leading institution in Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to providing accessible theater training to people of all ages and backgrounds. Their Summer Training Institute has provided award-winning summer youth and teen programs to the Washington Community.​

The Summer Training Institute provides Musical Theater, Summer Acting, and Performance Intensive programs. So this means whether you want to sing in the theater or learn the basic skills of acting, this program is for you. 

Applications are open now and are due March 1, 2026. You must submit a complete application with an audition tape, meaning recording a video of yourself performing a 1 to 2 minute monologue of your choice. Also, this program is not free, but no worries, the Theater Lab offers need-based scholarship along with financial aid, which will be part of your application.​

If acting is your dream, don’t hesitate to make it your career. The Theater Lab takes teens seriously in this field. You’ll not only be surrounded by unlimited support from your teachers but also like-minded aspiring actors who want to succeed like you.

Each summer, Sitar’s Emerging Arts Leaders Program employs a limited number of students ages 14-24 who are paid through one of two local government programs. This year's S.E.A.L Summer Internship program will run from June 22 – July 31, 2026. Apply now.

Do you dream of being on the big screen one day? If so, you’ve probably heard of the Washington Improv Theater Workshops. If not, no worries.

Washington Improv Theater is a non-profit organization that aims to unleash the creative spirit in all aspiring actors. So, in other words, if you have a sudden interest in acting, then these workshops are for you. Washington Improv Theater is seeking dedicated individuals 13-19 with a strong interest in Improv.​

Improv is a live performance where actors create scenes, dialogue, and characters spontaneously. So, basically, you don't have to memorize any lines; you come ready to act with your peers without any preparation beforehand.​

If you’re thinking I have no experience, this is my first time, or I don’t know what to say—no worries. Washington Improv Theater doesn't require prior experience for Improv classes; they simply want individuals open to learning.​ And if you desire to perform in front of a live audience, Washington Improv Theater provides that as well. 

Registration for workshops opens one month before the workshops begin. Also, this program is completely free. Do not hesitate to register and try something new; all of the actors we see now did it once. Workshops are held in libraries across DC so there is likely to be one near you. These classes not only provide versatile skills for acting but also help you get out of your comfort zone.

Are you an aspiring creative who wants to work in Film? If you are, then you should’ve heard of the C-SPAN StudentCam Documentary Competition? If you haven’t, no worries. C-SPAN is looking for kids in grades 6th-12th to create a 5 to 6-minute documentary about exploring the American story through the Declaration of Independence (DOI).​

So really, they want to know how you see America’s history and how the DOI has influenced America’s behavior. If you find yourself loving history, wanting to make America a better place, or if you’re curious about America’s history, then this competition is for you.

C-SPAN requires you to include a few of their clips in your documentary, which means you need to do research on the C-SPAN website and see if any clips have matched your topic. Also you’ll need to credit your sources and present a strong argument. Also, I forgot to mention but the first place winner gets a cash prize of $3,000. ​

C-SPAN values the use of journalistic skills, critical thinking, and the exploration of diverse viewpoints. Essentially, they want to check out your ability to articulate your opinion effectively.

​If you aren’t sure whether or not your idea is strong enough or second-guessing yourself, don't worry, just breathe. C-SPAN wants to know who you are and how you view the world. Don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity; create now.

The deadline for the C-SPAN documentary is January 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. The story isn’t told until you pick up a camera and tell it.

DCEFF invites students looking for internship credits and service learning opportunities to reach out about working with the Festival during the 2025-26 academic year.