Playwriting, Acting, and Directing

Experience the process of writing, staging, and acting out a scene. Students collaborate in pairs to develop a short scene featuring real or fictional characters set in a historic period or current event. They are coached during the playwriting session with specific attention to detail and clarity in the written word, and its ability to communicate the intention clearly. Once the scenes are written, the students take on the leadership roles of casting agents and directors. They direct the professional actors or their peers in their scenes. Teachers partner with actors to guide themes pertinent to their students’ focus in the curriculum. To achieve higher quality writing and presentation, a series of two to four workshops is recommended.