News - Redwood Students Participate in Playwriting Workshop
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The creative writing talents of Redwood students could soon be spotlighted under the bright lights of the theatre stage thanks to an exciting playwriting workshop sponsored by Dobama Theatre. The Young Playwrights Program (YPP) is a free program taught by professional playwrights and theatre artists which helps to integrate the art of playwriting within language arts and drama classrooms throughout Northeast Ohio. Third and fourth grade Redwood students in the gifted SOAR program recently participated in the first of three engaging in-school workshops during which they interacted with and shared their story ideas with representatives from Dobama Theatre. During the group and one on one interactions, students learned how to effectively structure the key story elements, including the rising and falling action, conflict, and resolution, as well as tips on how to craft the dialogue of their characters. Through active listening, a shared sense of enthusiasm and lots of encouragement, the Dobama Theatre representatives helped to guide the students through the playwriting process. Redwood students were energized by the interactions and made considerable progress on their stories which took place in a variety of settings, including outer space and a baseball game.
Under the instruction of Gifted Intervention Specialist Cathy Brady, SOAR, students are increasing their writing skills through a storytelling project which involves exploring storytelling techniques, character development, creative writing and how to incorporate history and real-world events into fictional stories. By promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and social and emotional learning, the project is helping to equip students with skills that extend beyond the classroom. The project will culminate with students submitting their original play to The Marilyn Bianchi Kids' Playwriting Festival, the longest-running playwright festival in the United States. Over the past four years, several SOAR students have been awarded top playwright awards while two students have received the distinct honor of their plays produced at Dobama Theatre. A special thank you to Dobama Theatre and Cathy Brady for providing this engaging learning experience for our students!