Young Storytellers – Empowering Authentic, Essential Children's Voices

Young Storytellers is a Los Angeles-based arts non-profit organization that has provided thousands of students with a unique, creative play opportunity since its inception in 1997. Through Young Storytellers, students are mentored to write a complete script over a 9-week process, then get to see their story come to life with real actors in an exciting showcase! Dr. Rhea sits down with President – Head of Growth for Young Storytellers, Bill Thompson, to discuss the importance of the programs they offer and the impact it has made, including creating a deeper interest in writing and expression of feelings, and an expansion of empathy among the students.Bill began his work with Young Storytellers as a volunteer in 2006. His time as a mentor quickly became the best hour of his week. He served as Executive Director from 2008 through 2023, leading an important period of growth and increased sustainability for Young Storytellers. He is now guiding efforts to scale and maximize impact nationally as the President - Head of Growth. He is a graduate of Yale University (MFA - Drama School) and the University of the Arts (BFA - School of Theatre). Bill has been a Fellow with City Scholars for the past 10 years, is a member of the Policy Council for Create CA, and is the beneficiary of many professional development programs with partners such as Executive Service Corps, the Annenberg Foundation, Hershey Cause Communications, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He was the winner of the Judge’s Award for Innovation at the Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch and the recipient of the Megan G. Cooper Leadership Award from Executive Service Corps.