Artistic expression can be a powerful catalyst for social change and a source of personal power for young people and their families. Since 2008, Washburn Blackbox Theatre has provided a safe space for students from a wide range of backgrounds to make visible the all-too-often invisible voices and stories of urban youth. Student actors engage in a rigorous and unique training program to create, perform and tour original theater that helps break down social barriers and build bridges among themselves and their communities. In this EDTalk, students will speak their truths about public education and how creating original theater can make change both in and out of the classroom. Presenters: Crystal Spring, Washburn High School Theatre Teacher Washburn High School Blackbox Theatre students EDTalks is co-sponsored by AchieveMpls and The Citizen's League. Thanks to Bush Foundation and Comcast for their generous financial support.