State Superintendent of Schools wowed by world premiere of stage plays by kids, about kids, for kids

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec 07, 2009 -
The Young Voices, New Visions International Short Play Fest 2009 (YVNV), produced by the F.A.A.M.E. Arts-In-Education Program in association with Woodland Elementary Charter School, featured the world premiere of 4 plays written by 4 promising student playwrights--GLASSES [an inter-generational discovery of a super power secret aides in an investigation of a mysterious glasses caper] written by Charlene Brown (5th grade, Georgia); MY MOM, MY TEACHER [Twins cringe when mom subs at their school one dreaded day] written by Aishwarya Chander (6th grade, India); JAZZ AGE [Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, two young girls journey back in time where they meet the world-famous musician, Duke Ellington] written by Karina Norton (6th grade, Georgia); as well as, Jones’ (6th grade, Louisiana) 70s FRIENDS [One Saturday, friends experience the culture of old school days in Echo Park where the Michael Jackson “Thriller” video was shot].  Superintendent Cox joined in merriment onstage as the young thespians did their curtain call to the sounds of a flash from the past-- "Celebrate Good Times."

The Young Playwrights Unit (YPU) where these works were developed, was created by Pamela-Faith Jackson to provide a safe space to workshop new scripts by kids, about kids, for kids.  YPU offers a nurturing environment where emerging writers working with theatre professionals can find their own voices and study the craft of playwriting during ten intensive workshop sessions on Woodland’s campus, on-line, or by special arrangement. The last session is a Reading of the works read by members of the drama club, directed by student directors, and presented to a group of selected students from the Talented and Gifted Program.  These dramaturgs-in-training help to provide a clarifying experience for the writers, and make recommendations about which scripts should earn mainstage productions in the Young Voices, New Visions International Short Play Fest.

The Young Voices, New Visions International Short Play Competition 2010 is open to students grades 3-8. The deadline for submitting plays to the YVNV Short Play Competition is February 5th.  For more info: faame.weebly.com or youngplaywrightsfaame@gmail.com