2016/2017 Playmaking Final Performances

Yesterday was the opening day of our Playmaking 2016/2017 PS 11 performances at Circle in the Square. All the 3rd graders at PS 11 completed their final scripts; the Residency Assistants/professional actors typed and directed the plays in rehearsals last week; and now is the time that these young playwrights have been waiting for: their first plays on Broadway!

Playmaking is a form of playwriting that master teaching artist and playwright (as well as my mentor, friend, and colleague) Daniel Judah Sklar created many years ago. I teach Playmaking to three of the 3rd grade classes at PS 11 (Daniel teaches the other three). I also taught it to my team of RAs/actors so they could guide their own group of kids in each class.

The performances yesterday were spectacular. The actors/RAs and young playwrights made me so proud! I absolutely love seeing the kids’ faces when they see their plays come to life so beautifully on the Broadway stage. One child and his mom stayed in the theatre long after others left. His mom shyly confessed, “He loves it here. He just can’t leave!” I know how it feels. I truly do.

I’m looking forward to my other two classes’ performances this Friday and Monday. If you’d like to be in the audience, please drop me a line so I can give you the details. 

This is such a unique and extraordinary program that Circle in the Square created with Daniel and PS 11 way back when. I’m really lucky to continue to be part of it.

Here’s a photo of me with my talented team. It was taken yesterday before the kids arrived in the theatre. 

From left to right: Shlomit, Chelsea, Hannah, me, Sam, and Cait