REBEL VERSES Youth Arts Festival is a two-week festival celebrating new voices in the arts. Unlike any other theatre festival, REBEL VERSES provides an opportunity for high school students to perform their own original work and to celebrate the work of their peers, and gives audiences a platform for open dialogue with emerging young artists from New York City and around the region.

Rebel Verses encourages young artists to explore their unique voice. Some pieces deal with sex and violence, and some content may not be appropriate for audience members under age 13.

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What is REBEL VERSES?

REBEL VERSES is a 2-week festival of performances by some of the best youth companies in the region. Now in its 13th year, the festival was born out of the need for a platform where young artists can express themselves honestly and an environment that recognizes the legitimacy of all stories and backgrounds. With a mission to journey into the unapologetic and unrestrained creativity of the next generation, REBEL VERSES values diverse stories ranging across age, sex, race and time.

The performances feature original work from eight high school student ensembles: MCC Theatre, PRY SAFE Lutheran, The Door, Alumni Theatre Company of Pittsburgh, Epic Theatre Ensemble, Savage Squad, and Developing Artists with The Vineyard’s own Vineyard Theatre Student Ensemble. During the festival, students participate in several workshops with guest artists including two-time Tony Award nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega. For the first time, Developing Artists is partnering with Vineyard Theatre to produce the event, giving over 70 students a chance to perform their original work on an Off-Broadway stage at The Vineyard’s home in the heart of Union Square.

The 2017 Festival spans two weekends with six performances from July 27 through August 5. Different guest artists will make a special performance each night.

Opening Night: July 27 at 7pm – Daphne Rubin-Vega, Guest Artist

July 28 at 7pm – Okai, Guest Artist

July 29 at 7pm – Diana Oh, Guest Artist

August 3 at 7pm – Eric Bogosian, Guest Artist

August 4 at 7pm – LaChanze, Guest Artist

August 5 at 7pm – Craig ‘muMs’ Grant, Guest Artist

Week 1:

Developing Artists
Vineyard Theatre Student Ensemble
PRY Safe
MCC Youth Company
Savage Squad

​Week 2:

Developing Artists
Vineyard Theatre Student Ensemble
The Door
​Epic Next
Alumni Theater Company
​Savage Squad

REBEL VERSES encourages young artists to explore their unique voices. Some pieces deal with sex and violence, and some content may not be appropriate for audience members under age 13.