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 Ink was started in 2003 to encourage youth to use writing and performance as tools to address personal and social challenges on the community stage. Students from The Block (ages 11-19) create original plays with a strong emphasis on spoken word poetry and performance on stages across Southeastern Connecticut. Taking their pens from their heads and hearts to the streets, members of the Block produce powerful lyrics that provide insight and perspective into the challenges and choices they encounter each day. Final Writers Block productions are written, run, advertised and performed by students. Writer’s Block workshops are available to schools and community organizations. Courses are structured to guide students to improve writing skills, build self-confidence, leadership, and teamwork. The students conceive an idea, develop a plot, evaluate character conflict, cast themselves, write a final script, market, and ultimately perform their work for the community.