The “Strong Female Character: Teen Edition” playmaking project brought together Portland area teens ages 13-18 to develop and perform an original theater piece focused on issues that affect their lives. Instead of starting with a script, we started with a concept: “Strong Female Character.” Over several weeks, the ensemble explored this theme using a variety of theater structures including improvisation, character exploration, scene work, movement and monologue. This playmaking project--modeled on the EmersonTHEATRE program started by Professor Bethany Nelson--promotes critical thinking; develops leadership, advocacy, public speaking and literacy skills; develops participants’ voices and theater/performance skills; and encourages them to explore social circumstances which constrain their lives as females and consider their roles as change agents in those dynamics.