Students with a passion for the arts and eager to explore new ideas are encouraged to participate in this after-school program. Group discussions and workshops stimulate critical thinking and help students improve writing skills, pushing them to understand better the relationship between the arts and the world around them. This enriching program includes attendance at Next Wave Festival performances and visits from accomplished artists, writers, and thinkers. Former guests have included Ben Brantley of The New York Times, Hilton Als of The New Yorker, and playwright Tony Kushner (Angels in America). An anthology of student articles is published at the conclusion of the program.