A study of former participants in high and middle school playwriting programs investigated students' perceptions of their experiences. After 20+ years of partnerships in a wide range of schools, Washington D.C.'s Young Playwrights' Theater examined how and why playwriting works and for whom. How does the form and process of writing plays motivate students, including some who don't like to write or struggle in English class? The results offer intriguing insights about the nature of playwriting and the impact of relationships with mentors, peers, and audiences to influence students' skills, motivation and self-perceptions as writers.