860-44 BLOCK
860-442-5625
446 Colman Street
New London, CT 06320
Our Mission
To arm young voices with the power of pen and prose, reinforcing teamwork, accountability, and responsibility; igniting social change on the page and stage.
About The Block
The Writers Block InK was started in 2003 as a 501c3 non-profit organization to encourage youth to use writing and performance as tools to address personal and social challenges on the community stage. Students create original productions which explore critical themes and issues.
The Writers Block, Ink transforms the lives of youth through the arts. Our primary mission is to arm young voices with the power of pen and prose, reinforcing teamwork, accountability, and responsibility; igniting social change on the page and stage. The Writers Block encourages youth, from all walks of life to use writing and performance as tools to address personal and social challenges through all aspects of theater. Students from The Block (ages 10-21) create original writings including poetry and plays, compose original songs, and choreograph original dances. In so doing, The Writer's Block gives students a voice, builds their self-confidence, enhances their communication and performance skills and creates future community leaders.
In 2012, thanks to your support, we served more than 100 youth who performed for audiences ranging up to more than one thousand families and community members!
Our goal is to continue reaching over 100 area youth and creating youth leaders each year through our programs and events. The following is just a sample of what we have done:
Partnered with New London Community and Campus Coalition to film a Writers Block student performing his original spoken-word rap about the consequences of drunk driving; posted on their website, and below:
Driving Drunk Can Kill
Performed at the Centro De La Communidad in New London as part of Latino Heritage Month.
Collaborated with the New London Homeless Hospitality Center during our Classic Summer Program. Students wrote and performed an original script entitled, Breaking Ground, which addressed the social issues of homelessness, unemployment, adolescent rebellion, and personal growth.
Partnered with local churches for Gospel Night for a night of community fellowship.
Teaching creative writing and dance classes during the after school program at Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication (ISAAC) in New London.
Launched the Youth Employment Program in collaboration with Connecticut Landmarks and gave jobs to six high school students and one college student. These seven young men were hired to research the life of Adam Jackson who was enslaved to Joshua Hempstead, the history of slavery in Connecticut and other topics in African American History. The research was then incorporated into the young men's own original writings and songs. The result was an exhibit and an original production entitled Wealth in Skin: Creative Historical Freedom Stories, which was performed on the grounds of the Hempstead House.
Partnered with the College Access Program (CAP), which helps New London teens from low-income families and teens who will be the first in their families to attend college.
Performed for Black History Month at Connecticut College’s Unity House.
