Photo Caption: Students of the Literary Arts Publications Course produce a variety of professional publications including a literary magazine, RUCKUS.
Write It. Film It. Publish It!
Aspiring Teen Writers thrive in Literary Arts Program
at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — High school students with a passion for the written word are finding a creative home at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) through its comprehensive and dynamic Literary Arts program.
Designed to mirror a college-level creative writing experience, the Literary Arts program immerses students in the relationship between literature, reading, writing, and performance. Working alongside published and award-winning faculty, students develop their craft across a wide range of genres and mediums—from poetry, fiction, and comics to television, film, and screenwriting—while presenting their work on real stages, real screens, and real pages.
The curriculum is ideal for students aspiring to careers as poets, novelists, screenwriters, and storytellers of all kinds. Underclassmen begin with foundational courses such as Exploration of the Romantic Style, Character Development, and Film Studies. Sophomores enrolled in Media Studies gain real-world experience through participation in the Marketing Musikfest program in partnership with ArtsQuest.
As students advance into their junior and senior years, coursework emphasizes hands-on production and professional practice. Upper-level offerings include Children’s Literature, Introduction to Screenwriting, Advanced Film Theory & Practice, and a Publications course. Students produce RUCKUS, the school’s literary magazine, along with zines and short films created using smartphone technology. These films are showcased annually at the Greater Lehigh Valley Film Festival and at the iconic Becky’s Drive-In Theater each spring.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the program. Students regularly share their original work through monthly public readings at Café the Lodge and participate in grade-level showcases. Ninth-grade students begin their showcase journey with a performance event held at Godfrey Daniels, the legendary and renowned listening room.
Artistic Director of Literary Arts, Kristin Liemberger shares: “Students write and analyze creatively and critically, experimenting with their own creative voices in the construction, production, and performance of original works. This intensive program provides students with a rigorous curriculum rooted in the creative process while reinforcing that reading, writing, film, and the spoken word are integral parts of the history and advancement of society.”
ABOUT THE LEHIGH VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS (Charter Arts):
Charter Arts, opened in 2003, is an audition-based public charter high school, funded by Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars, designed for students who have a dedicated passion for the creative or performing arts. With seven artistic majors that include Dance, Instrumental Music, Literary Arts, Production Arts, Theatre, Visual Arts & Vocal Music, and a rigorous academic curriculum, students thrive both artistically and academically at a nationally recognized, award-winning school. The school is currently ranked:
#1 Best Charter High School in PA- Niche
#1 Best Public High School Teachers in PA – Niche
Top 10 Charter Schools in PA – U.S. News & World Report
Charter Arts is more than just a school—it’s a vibrant, dynamic community where creativity thrives and young artists are empowered to reach their full potential. With a rich history of success and a vision for the future, Charter Arts continues to nurture the next generation of artists, leaders, and innovators.
Audition appointments for the 2026-2027 school year are being scheduled now. Prospective students and families can sign up for a Virtual Information Session, request a tour or schedule an audition by visiting CharterArts.org/admissions.
Charter Arts is located in the heart of Bethlehem’s Southside Arts District at 321 East 3rd Street.
Information provided to TVL by:
Ann Gillette
