The Young Playwrights Festival (YPF) hosted by the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is a program designed for middle school and high school students aged 12-18 residing in the United States. Its main objective is to provide young artists with the opportunity to improve their writing skills and gain experience in playwriting as both a craft and discipline. The festival emphasizes the development process and allows students to see their creative visions brought to life on stage. Participants work with professional theater artists, gaining insight into dramatic form and structure, and have the chance to rewrite their plays before a live, script-in-hand reading. The festival is delivered in-person, beginning with two days of rehearsal and culminating in a staged reading of the students' plays. Key skills covered include the development of dramatic structure, character development, and working collaboratively with a creative team. Participants are exposed to the entire play development process, from initial writing to performance, which helps build confidence and respect for their work. Sophia Chapadjiev, the Artistic Director of the Young Playwrights Festival and the O'Neill’s Director of Education, leads the program. With nearly two decades of experience as an arts educator and a background as a playwright and librettist, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Her educational background includes a BFA from Emerson and an MFA from NYU's Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program. Participants in the festival benefit from a supportive and professional environment where their work is taken seriously. The main outcomes include enhanced writing skills, a better understanding of the playwriting process, and the invaluable experience of seeing their work performed by professional actors. The program is a confidence-building experience that respects and values the creative contributions of young playwrights.