Youth Programs

Calling all young writers!

At Hugo House, young writers explore, consume, and create their best writing with the guidance of experienced and professional writers and teachers. Youth voices are worth amplifying, and our various programs offer opportunities for all youth interested in writing to craft their voices. Programs vary in price and level of commitment in order to meet the needs of all young writers, including providing free programming, scaled tuition, and scholarships for paid programs.

SEE THE COVID-19 POLICY FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS HERE.

Stage Fright Open Mic

Since 1997, Stage Fright has been the place for youth to share fiction, poetry, journals, songs, comedy routines, art, and more. If you have a piece of writing and want to share it in front of an audience, share it at Stage Fright! If you have a piece of writing and aren’t sure whether you want to share it in front of an audience, contemplate this at Stage Fright! If you want to enjoy and appreciate the work of your peer writing community, cheer them on at Stage Fright!

Learn more about Stage Fright

Drop-In Youth Writing Circles

Get writing in a supportive, fun environment with your peers at our drop-in youth writing circles. We offer multiple writing circles with a suggested grade range, though we encourage each writer to pick the circle that feels best for them!

Explore youth writing circles

Field Trips

Bring your class or group to Hugo House for an hour of creative writing instruction on anything from poetry to flash fiction, graphic novels to performance, and beyond. Students will work with one of our talented teaching artists to experiment with writing activities, respond to prompts, and share some of their work on stage in our Salon.

Hugo House field trips are open to all middle and high school students. The standard price per hour is $125 for up to 20 students or $200 for up to 30 students. We provide scholarship assistance upon request.

Request a field trip here

COVID-19 Health Policy Details

Hugo House is dedicated to creating a safe space for young writers to participate in our in-person Scribes Summer Camps.

About Vaccination Status

• All youth teaching artists and Hugo House staff are fully vaccinated.  “Fully vaccinated” means at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
• We highly encourage youth students to be vaccinated. At this time, the Department of Health does not currently require vaccination for youth under 18 years of age to participate in our youth programs. If a youth under 18 years of age is not vaccinated, we encourage families to explore our online youth programs options.

Policies for In-Person Youth programs

• All students will be required to wear masks at all times (except when actively eating or drinking). Masks should be worn so that they fully cover your nose and chin. The CDC currently recommends N95 masks as the most effective against the spread of COVID-19. Masks should be worn so that they fully cover your nose and chin. The CDC currently recommends N95 masks as the most effective against the spread of COVID-19. 
• All youth students will be required to take a health screening prior to entering the building in the form of a verbal questionnaire. Thermometers for external temperature checks are also available on the premises if needed.
• Drop-off and pick-up will take place outside of the building. Only Hugo House staff, teachers, and students may enter the building.
• All personnel inside the building will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, including wearing masks at all times (except when eating), washing and sanitizing hands, etc.
• When inside the building, practice physical distancing. Give other people on-site ~6 feet of space when possible, at the front desk and using the restrooms.
• No food is allowed during class time, but feel free to bring your water bottle. Water bottles can be refilled at the drinking fountain.
• Please stay home if you are experiencing symptoms or have a positive COVID-19 test.

Safety Measures

• Only one youth program will take place inside the Hugo House building at a time. A maximum of two programs (adult & youth classes or events) will be in progress in the building at a time, and each will use a different space.
• Scribes Summer Camp registration is limited to 12 students max for in-person camps.
• Classrooms will be provided with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
• Windows will be open as much as possible to assist with ventilation.
• Breaks for snacks and lunch will take place outside as much as possible. 
• Hugo House will not be open to the public during this time. The Salon will remain closed, and restrooms will not be open to the public.
• We are focused on safely executing our Youth Education classes for all students and staff in compliance with the Department of Health Guidelines for Youth Development Programs.

If COVID-19 Symptoms Show and/or an Outbreak Occurs

• If any personnel (student, teacher, or staff) develops COVID-19 symptoms, they will be sent home immediately. Please note that you will be required to pick up your child if this occurs for them.
• If you, your child, or someone your child has been in contact with develops symptoms of COVID-19 and/or tests positive for COVID-19, your child may be required to quarantine, in accordance with the policies outlined by the Department of Health.
• Hugo House is obligated to report any possible COVID-19 outbreak to the Department of Health. A COVID-19 outbreak is considered when the following have been met: 
There are two or more COVID-19 cases among students or staff. 
The cases have a symptom onset or positive test result within a 14-day period of each other. 
The cases are epidemiologically linked. 
The cases do not share a household. 
The cases are not identified as close contacts of each other in another setting during the investigation.

Recognize Risk

While Hugo House is taking precautions and enforcing safety measures, we cannot guarantee zero risk; a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public setting. By entering the building, students and teachers accept the risk of exposure and knowingly waive and release Hugo House from any liability related to COVID-19.

Protocols will be updated as we progress and learn more. These policies are subject to change.

All in-person camps will move online if needed to comply with any government-issued mandate/change and/or for the safety of all personnel.

Questions?

If you have questions related to in-person classes and our visitor policies during this time, contact us at welcome@hugohouse.org.