Journal 2 Journey
When Words Become Worlds
Journal 2 Journey (J2J) is a pre-professional, creative youth development program designed to expose youth to the world of devised theater with a focus on Youth Leadership Development, Tiered Mentorship, Artistic Rigor, and Social Justice.
J2J is designed to inspire young artists to imagine the possibilities of writing that expand beyond traditional forms, styles, and genres while providing a platform that celebrates their voices. Previous participants have gone on to pursue successful careers as stage actors, playwrights, and designers.
Our Goals
Develop the theater skills of youth artists who have a knowledge base in the spoken word and poetry traditions
Foster an understanding of collaboration with other artists and artistic genres
Provide an industry-informed network and professional development
Push the boundaries of American Theater
Invest in the future of the arts industry by facilitating organizational collaboration, sharing resources, and nurturing emerging leaders in the arts
From Page To Stage
Through an accessible yet thoughtful application process, six youth participants, ages 16 to 20, are selected to participate in a paid 15-week intensive, where they will work collaboratively with professional theater artists to refine their writing skills and devise a professional one-act theatrical production.
J2J youth artists explore themes of the American experience and identity and are invited to bring their lived experiences to the page in a safe, collaborative environment. Upon successful completion of the program, youth artists will receive a stipend and will conclude the program with two live public performances.
My time at J2J was amazing. My peers were always so supportive of me and helpful during rough times when I felt unwell and demotivated, they always picked me back up and reminded me why I was there. I learned a lot about creating characters and building different worlds within those characters.
— Myleah Solis, J2J Participant, 2024
Program Highlights
Each participant works closely with a thoughtfully selected team of professional artists and teaching mentors throughout the 15-week program. Mentors guide participants through writing, devising, and performance processes, offering individualized feedback and collaborative support. J2J intentionally maintains a small cohort to ensure personalized attention and a supportive environment.
Mentors are practicing artists with expertise in theater, performance, creative writing, and education.
J2J alumni also frequently serve as peer mentors, fostering a tiered mentorship model that encourages leadership and continuity.
J2J provides participants with access to professional, creative, and logistical resources that support both growth and program success. Participants will have access to:
Professional rehearsal studios and a 120-seat state-of-the-art theater at L10 Arts & Cultural Center
Guidance and feedback from experienced theater and writing mentors
All necessary materials and supplies provided (scripts, notebooks, production tools)
Opportunities for collaboration with peers and mentors
Documentation of final performances for portfolio use
A robust marketing campaign promoting the final production
Program Eligibility
Journal 2 Journey is open to young people ages 16-20. While no prior experience is required, applications should demonstrate a strong interest in theater, performing arts, the humanities and/or the arts.
Participants must be available for 15 afternoon and evening sessions in Brooklyn, NY, and for the final public performances in May 2026. Regular attendance, punctuality, and active professional engagement are required throughout the program. Scroll down this page for the complete schedule.
Audition Process
Invited applicants will audition in late January 2026, performing a short spoken monologue, poem, or speech of their choice.
Important Dates*
| December 8, 2025 | Application Opens |
| January 14, 2026 | Application Closes & Audition Invitations Sent |
| January 23-24, 2026 | Auditions |
| January 26, 2026 | Participant Selection & Notification |
| February 2, 2026 | Journal 2 Journey Kickoff! |
| February 2-March 16, 2026 | Writing Workshop Sessions
Weekly group workshops, plus one-on-one virtual mentoring/editing sessions. |
| March 22-March 30, 2026 | Script Reading & Assembly
Group workshops to create a cohesive stage narrative and align final writing edits with anticipated staging needs. |
| April 6-May 11, 2026 | Staging Workshops
Group Rehearsals conducted by the Theater Director and supported by the Stage Manager. |
| May 12-13, 2026 | Technical & Dress Rehearsal |
| May 14-15, 2026 | Technical & Dress Rehearsal |
2024 Highlights
“My time with J2J was an invaluable and invigorating learning experience. As I don't have a background in poetry or slam, J2J allowed me to expand my skill set and style as a playwright.”
— Rix Zioueche, J2J Participant, 2024
EN ROUTE
En Route: a heart-opening, interwoven tale of six characters exploring themes of individual purpose, courage, power, and the perception of each other’s humanity as well as our own. En Route invites audiences to empathize with an observant subway rider, the President of the United States, a grieving daughter, a tomato, a woman named Hope and a patient at a mental institution. Join Urban Word NYC and Hi-ARTS as these characters each take the stage while En Route on their unique journey.
Presented by the 2024 Journal 2 Journey cohort, this culminating performance highlights the creative voices of young artists who have transformed their personal narratives into dynamic works of art. Developed in partnership with Hi-ARTS and Urban Word, J2J empowers youth to explore identity, storytelling, and resilience through writing and performance. Join us for an evening of powerful expression, creativity, and the celebration of their journeys.
2024 Participants
Fatima Ahmad
Delaney Jocelyn
Myleah Solis
Rix Zioueche
2024 Artist Facilitators
UGBA, Writing Director
Gabriel Ramirez, Writing Coach
Maya Moon, Writing Coach
Katherine George, Theater Director
Kristina Gramlich, Stage Manager
Rebel Verses
Delaney Jocelyn performing Sterile at the 2025 Rebel Versese, youth festival.
Since 2001, REBEL VERSES has been where the next generation of New York City theater artists showcase their unapologetic and unrelenting creativity. This three-evening festival offers audiences a curated collection of performances by some of the best youth companies and programs based in New York City and beyond, who are committed to nurturing and elevating diverse voices, championing artistic excellence, and creating a vibrant community of young artists who are challenging the status quo and shaping the future of theater.
About Urban Word
Urban Word, Founding Program Partner
Urban Word champions youth voice through the transformative power of the written and spoken word, providing platforms for literacy, self-expression, social impact, and leadership through free creative writing, college prep workshops, and performance opportunities. Urban Word provides young, creative voices, often those who are marginalized, the tools, training, and platforms to rewrite the narratives that shape their lives and their communities.
As one of the oldest and most comprehensive youth literary arts organizations in the United States, Urban Word is the founder of the National Youth Poet Laureate Program, a renowned program that celebrates youth for their excellence as writers and their civic engagement.
Urban Word is supported by the National Parks Conservancy in support of the Federal Hall Fellowship Program.
