PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is proud to announce its upcoming Youth Writers Camp, an inspiring and creative space for middle and high school students passionate about writing. This five-session camp provides participants the opportunity to explore multiple forms of creative expression — including poetry, plays, short stories, and songwriting — while engaging with contemporary social issues and the literary legacy of August Wilson.

Led by accomplished teaching artists Carla Knight and Diana Spencer, the hybrid camp features both virtual and in-person sessions designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in young writers. Through guided discussions, reading, writing exercises, and peer sharing, students will develop their voices in a supportive and empowering environment.

“The Youth Writers Camp creates space for young people to find and strengthen their voices while engaging with the literary legacy of August Wilson and the pressing issues of our time,” said Cathryn Calhoun, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. “We are proud to nurture the next generation of storytellers by providing the tools and mentorship they need to explore poetry, plays, short stories, and songwriting so they can express their truths with clarity and power.”

The camp culminates in a special in-person performance and reception where students will share their original works with family, friends, and community members — celebrating creativity, growth, and storytelling.

Camp Schedule

  • March 14th (11am-1pm) [Virtual]
  • March 28th (11am-1pm) [Virtual]
  • April 11th (11am-1pm) [Virtual]
  • April 25th (11am-1pm) [Virtual]
  • May 2nd (11am-2pm) [In-Person]
  • Camp Showcase: May 15th (6pm-8pm) [In-Person]

Location for In-Person Sessions & Showcase: August Wilson African American Cultural Center | 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Registration is recommended for all sessions, though students may register for individual workshops. Space is limited and registration may close early at the discretion of camp staff. To register, please visit: https://awaacc.org/event/awaacc-youth-writers-camp-2026/2026-03-14/

ABOUT AUGUST WILSON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a nonprofit cultural organization located in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District that generates artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson.

One of the largest cultural centers in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience and the celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, the organization welcomes more than 100,000 visitors locally and nationally each year.

Through year-round programming across multiple genres — including the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Black Bottom Film Festival, AWCommunity Days, TRUTHSayers speaker series, and rotating art exhibitions — the Center provides a platform for established and emerging artists of color whose work reflects the universal themes of identity that Wilson explored and that continue to resonate today.

Major support for AWAACC’s operations is provided by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Heinz Endowments, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). AWAACC’s programming is made possible by generous support from its donors. For a complete list, visit awaacc.org.

COVERAGE IS REQUESTED.

Media Contacts:

Ki Ki B. Jones, Nice 2 Media Marketing & Promotions, LLC: (443) 252-3923 | kbrown@awaacc.org

Khalil Waldron, Director of Marketing and Communications: (412) 742-4771 | kwaldron@awaacc.org