Young Playwrights Project Phase 2
In this year’s Young Playwrights Project (YPP), third and fourth grade students from eight schools across Chautauqua County sent in over 520 plays that shared their original stories. In early April, over 40 Institution staff and Chautauqua community volunteers formed Play Reading groups and rehearsed. They then traveled to the schools to stage play readings in their classrooms, bringing the students’ words and ideas to life. Joined by Chautauqua Arts Education’s team of talented teaching artists — led by Alex Nader and including Andrew Barbato, Emily Olcott, Gaby Hornig, Marissa Miller and Marty Miller — every student got to hear their plays and receive praise and encouragement from adults and peers alike.
This second phase of the program prioritizes and ensures each student is valued as an artist as they develop their playwriting craft. The members of the Play Reading teams studied each play, working to interpret the words of the playwright, keeping true to each playwright’s intent and language. In the classroom, each play was introduced with cheers and applause as the characters were introduced. After each play, the class was asked to provide feedback on what they liked about the play and often, the playwright entertained questions from their classmates and the Play Reading team, giving a peek inside their creative process.
“It was inspiring to see the students support each other,” said Director of Arts Education Suzanne Fassett-Wright. “When students heard their play titles announced, the class would often erupt into cheers and hugs for the playwright. It was even more interesting when a playwright challenged the Play Reading team’s interpretation. The group leader asked how they could do it better; then the team acted out the play again to realize the playwright’s vision. It was a true collaborative effort, empowering the students to see themselves truly as valued, growing artists.”
Not only did this phase empower the students, but the staff and community volunteers had the opportunity to expand their artistry, as most had little to no theatrical background. It was also a great chance for people in the community who may never otherwise meet to become friends while sharing a common goal — to support our community’s children.
“I enjoyed each aspect of my involvement as a volunteer play reader,” said community volunteer Ellie Nickeson. “Watching the students in their classes was such a treat. Their excitement as we acted out their work and their honest support for their friends did my soul good.”
“I am new to this effort of the Institution to reach out to the elementary students of the county in the area of performing arts,” said community volunteer Noel Calhoun. “It’s exactly what we should be doing as citizens of Chautauqua!”
Community volunteer Terrie Tucker shared, “We all had so much fun interacting with the students and the teaching artists. A great example of when you volunteer how much you receive in return.”
The YPP has one more phase to go, the Young Playwrights Project Festival Performance! In June, the students will come to the Chautauqua Institution grounds to see ~10 of the 520 plays submitted. This event celebrates all the young playwrights, encouraging all of them to continue seeing and valuing themselves as the growing artists they are.