A group of young adults sit on the floor in casual white clothing, smiling and laughing together in a well-lit indoor setting.

Palefsky Collision Project

25th Anniversary Resources

This year (2026), the Alliance Theatre celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Palefsky Collision Project – a milestone that notably overlaps with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In this time, nearly 500 teens have engaged in the project, emerging as more collaborative, creative, and confident young artists — but more importantly, as more empathetic and hopeful young adults who are committed and equipped to changing the world. To mark this milestone, the Alliance Theatre has created (3) new resources for partners and communities who share our investment in elevating the voices of teens with something to say.

A person stands in dim lighting with one arm raised next to text reading "The Palefsky Collision Project 25th Anniversary" over a starburst graphic.

How-To Manual 

Written by Pearl Cleage with meaningful contributions from past and present Creative Team members, the First Pass Procedures Manual is a roadmap for elevating the voices of teens through the Alliance Theatre’s Collision Project model. This manual details each step of the process – from setting the vision to sustaining the project – in an approachable, flexible, and digestible manner.

Additionally, this resource features a thorough index containing real project documentation including a complete example script.

Download Manual

“Consider this first pass your invitation to collide with us! Use it. Adapt it. Pass it on.”

Peal Cleage
Distinguished Artist in Residence
Two young people stand under stage lights with arms raised, looking upward, in front of a dark curtain background—a moment inspired by the Palefsky Collision Project resources.

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Research & Evaluation

Led by Laura Wood, PhD (Lesley University) and Jason S. Frydman, PhD (North Carolina State University), this Collision Project Study investigates the following target domains:

Community belonging

  • Needs fulfillment
  • Group membership
  • Influence
  • Emotional connection

Hope

  • Agency
  • Pathways

Perspective taking

This project included thorough examination of the 2025 ensemble, as well as input from program alumni. Early results indicate that the Alliance Theatre’s Palefsky Collision Project, backed with quantitative data, delivers a relational pedagogy where respect, challenge, and collective authorship at a world-class theater environment support transformation that has potential beyond the scope of the project, fostering community, belonging, hope and civic engagement.

Additional findings are ongoing and will be made available in Fall 2026.

A group of young performers energetically sing and dance on stage under a sign reading “DREAMS BORN OF CHAOS: Greatest Hits: The Palefsky Collision Project,” showcasing the extraordinary talent fostered by the Palefsky Collision Project resources.

Dreams Born of Chaos

Greatest Hits: The Palefsky Collision Project

Produced by David Koté
with Spencer Ford & Justin Ellington

An album of the Collision Project’s greatest hits featuring alumni vocalists includes newly recorded versions of show-stopping favorites.

Track List

  1. Dreams Born of Chaos (2024)
  2. What’s Today’s Headline (2025)
  3. Growing Pains (2021)
  4. Something Bigger (2023)
  5. When It Rains, It Pours (2020)
  6. When You’re With Me (2018)
  7. Protest Medley (2017, 2020, 2024)
  8. Names on the Wall (2021)
  9. Minimum Wage Shoes (2022)
  10. Power of the Pen (2024)

Vocalists // Collision Project Alumni

Kamryn Charles (2020)
Spencer Ford (2018)
Jemarcus Kilgore (2018)
Elijah Merricks (2022)
Taloria Merricks (2021)
Linda Oglesby (2020)
Isaiah Phipps (2024)
Tytiana Reynolds (2024)
Olani Selamu (2023)

Instrumentals

Josh Blaylock, Keys
Eric Fortaleza, Bass
Dekar Justus, Drums and Percussion

Studio Recording Engineers

Dudley Merriam
Eugene H. Russell IV

A black rectangle with the Spotify logo and green text reads “Listen on Spotify” on a plain light background, making it easy to access Palefsky Collision Project resources through your favorite streaming platform.
Black and white “Listen on Apple Music” button with the Apple logo on a plain white background, featured as part of the Palefsky Collision Project resources.
Person dressed in a costume with a brown hat and scarf, holding a vintage telephone and appearing surprised or shocked.

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