Business Details
23 Years
experience
Empowering Youth Through Creative Arts & Social Change
Writer's Block InK is a youth-led social change theater and performing arts organization dedicated to amplifying youth voices through creative expression. Founded in 2003, we empower young people to develop critical skills in theater, writing, and performance while addressing systemic inequities and social issues. Our interdisciplinary approach combines arts education with leadership development, fostering self-confidence and community engagement. Through after-school and summer programs, we guide youth in creating original works that spark dialogue and drive social change. Our teaching artists and educators facilitate sessions in acting, dance, creative writing, and technical theater production.Alumni of our programs have become educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, reinvesting their skills in New London County and beyond. We maintain a proven framework for nurturing young leaders, having employed over 100 former participants in various leadership roles. Our Morgan J. Penn Scholarship for Leadership in Social Change provides financial support for continuing creative endeavors. With thousands of youth participants since inception, we remain committed to using the arts as a catalyst for personal growth and societal transformation. Our organization operates with transparency and accountability, supported by individual donors, foundations, and government funding.
Services
Youth Theater Programs
Creative Writing Workshops
Leadership Development
Performance Production
Social Change Curriculum
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We've empowered youth through arts education since 2003
- Our alumni network includes 100+ community leaders and educators
- We offer comprehensive theater and writing programs with social impact
- Our youth-led productions address real community challenges
- We provide scholarship opportunities for creative development
Services
Youth Theater Programs
Our theater programs engage youth in creating original productions that address social issues. Participants learn acting, stage design, and collaborative storytelling while developing confidence and critical thinking skills. Programs run year-round with summer intensives and after-school sessions.
Creative Writing Workshops
Writing workshops focus on poetry, playwriting, and narrative development through a social justice lens. Students refine their voice while exploring themes of identity and community impact. Sessions include peer review and professional mentorship from published authors.
Leadership Development
Leadership programs train youth in project management, teaching techniques, and production coordination. Participants gain experience directing peers and managing creative projects from concept to stage performance. Alumni often become program instructors or community leaders.
Performance Production
Youth collaborate to produce full-scale performances from scriptwriting to final staging. They design costumes, manage lighting/sound, and market productions to local audiences. Performances showcase original works addressing contemporary social challenges and community stories.
Social Change Curriculum
Our curriculum integrates social justice themes into arts education. Students examine systemic inequities through creative expression, developing works that challenge oppression and promote human flourishing. Programs emphasize community engagement and dialogue around pressing issues.
People
Daniel Duperval
Founder
Daniel Duperval established Writer's Block InK in 2003 after being inspired by Morgan Penn and other youth artists. He created the organization's framework for using arts education as a vehicle for social change and youth empowerment.
Morgan J. Penn
Founding Member
Morgan Penn co-founded Writer's Block InK while a New London High School senior. As a poet, dancer, and educator, she shaped the organization's creative direction before her passing in 2011. The annual scholarship honors her legacy in social change leadership.
Clarissa Beyah
President of the Board
Clarissa Beyah provides strategic leadership as Board President, guiding organizational growth and program development. With extensive nonprofit governance experience, she ensures the organization maintains its mission-driven focus while expanding community impact.
Cecilia R. Dillon
Executive Director
Cecilia Dillon oversees daily operations and program implementation. She manages staff development, secures funding partnerships, and maintains community relationships to support the organization's educational mission and artistic programming.
Ellen Dillon
Treasurer
Ellen Dillon manages financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. She oversees budget planning, grant compliance, and financial reporting while maintaining accountability to donors and funding partners.
Questions
What is Writer's Block InK's primary mission?
We empower youth through arts education and social change initiatives, helping young people develop creative skills while addressing community challenges through performance and writing.
What age groups participate in your programs?
Our programs serve youth from high school through young adulthood, with specialized workshops for different experience levels and creative interests.
How can my child join a program?
Applications are available online for our summer intensives and after-school programs. We offer both in-person workshops and special project opportunities throughout the year.
How are donations used?
Donations fund youth scholarships, program materials, performance spaces, and instructor stipends. Over 85% of contributions directly support youth participation and creative development.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we welcome volunteers as teaching assistants, event staff, and administrative support. Volunteers must complete our youth safety training program before participating.
What is the Morgan J. Penn Scholarship?
This $1,000 annual scholarship supports former participants pursuing creative or educational projects in performing arts, youth leadership, or social entrepreneurship.
