SAY’s Creative Arts Programs provide life-changing benefits
At SAY, we believe that every young person who stutters has a voice that deserves to be heard. Through music, theater, storytelling, songwriting, and visual arts, young people who stutter discover new ways to express themselves and connect with others who understand their experiences. For more than 25 years, SAY has stood strong in the belief that when young people who stutter are given the time, space, and encouragement to express themselves through the arts, confidence grows, friendships form, and voices flourish.
SAY offers innovative and comprehensive creative arts-based programs that address the physical, social, and emotional impacts of stuttering. SAY programs transform self-confidence and build crucial communication skills young people need to thrive. The arts create a powerful environment where communication isn’t about how you speak; it’s about sharing ideas, emotions, creativity, and courage. In this supportive space, participants gain confidence not only on stage, but in classrooms, friendships, and everyday life.
A Legacy of Impact
Over the past two and a half decades, SAY participants have taken the stage at some of the world’s most iconic venues, including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and Lincoln Center, sharing their stories and voices with audiences across New York City and beyond. Along the way, SAY programs have been supported by an extraordinary community of artists, actors, musicians, and storytellers who believe deeply in uplifting young voices. These collaborators have included celebrated performers from Broadway, film, television, and the music industry who have worked directly with SAY kids and teens to inspire creativity and confidence.
SAY’s innovative programs have received national recognition and awards for their impact, including a National Youth Arts & Humanities Award, and our community continues to grow each year as more young people discover a place where they are fully accepted and celebrated.
“To see these kids get in front of an audience and speak, which is difficult for anyone, is incredibly moving. What they do just speaks to the power of joining a group and gaining confidence.”
— Paul Rudd, Actor & SAY Trustee
Our Creative Arts Programs
Enrollment is open for SAY’s school-year creative arts programs in New York City, Washington, DC, and online.
These programs are offered free of charge and are open to young people who stutter, ages 5–18. Through collaborative and supportive workshops led by professional teaching artists and SAY staff, participants explore acting, storytelling, songwriting, music, visual arts, and more — all while building confidence, friendships, and communication skills that last a lifetime.
My Stutter Project: Online
This unique online program provides a brave and welcoming space for young people who stutter worldwide, ages 8-18. Through creative workshops, community, and encouragement, participants build confidence, communication, and self-advocacy skills in a space where others truly understand what they’re going through.
Confident Voices: NYC
SAY’s award-winning weekend creative arts program in New York City inspires imagination and empowerment through collaboration and connection. This project-based program for young people who stutter, ages 8-18, provides a unique forum for participants to express their thoughts, ideas, and dreams freely.
SAY: DC
This free weekly creative arts program is offered throughout the school year in Washington, DC, where kids and teens who stutter are supported and encouraged to find their voice. Through the power of listening, artmaking, and connection, participants ages 5-18 come together to create a community of fun, creativity, and imagination.
Are you a parent or caregiver of a young person who stutters?
Join SAY: Parents, our free monthly parents and caregivers group! Discover a supportive community and become your child’s best advocate and ally!
SAY: Parents Program
