In 2001, Developing Artists produced New York's first youth theater festival called Rebel Verses. Based on an idea that came straight from our teen members, Rebel Verses invites various youth companies from around the city to perform in our festival. Where the trend in performance for youth organization was that each company stands alone, Developing Artists recognized the need to bring these companies together and put the emphasis on learning from one another. The festival provides a place for our youth artists to create and connect to the larger artistic community by creating an environment where everyone involved is exposed to and educated on different diversities, religions, races, traditions and cultural backgrounds. Beginning with the organizations we invited from the very beginning such as: MCC Youth Company, The Door, El Puente… RV has also helped a community of artists grow up together. Writers such as Ben Snyder, Dominique Morisseau, Dominic Colon, Raul Castillo as well as countless other artists such as Nilaja Sun, David Zayas, Baba Israel were able to participate hone their skills through Rebel Verses.