2018/2019 First Play Readings at PS 11

Today we had our first 2018/2019 play readings of all the 3rd graders’ scripts in the library at PS 11 in Manhattan. This residency is part of the Arts Education for Actors alumni program at Circle in the Square Theatre School. 10 Circle grads per year work as Residency Assistants (RAs) in the classrooms at PS 11—five with Daniel Judah Sklar in the first three classes, and five with me in the last three classes. Daniel and I teach the classes, while the RAs mentor from 3-8 kids in each class. The RAs then type the kids’ plays, and act in them. While this first reading was done at PS 11, each child will get their final play performed on Broadway at Circle in the Square Theatre by the RAs, who are also professional actors.

This first reading is important for a few reasons: The kids get to witness their work start to come to life off of the pages. They can see and feel what they appreciate about their own scripts, and what might need editing. They can learn from seeing others’ plays, and they can support one another’s work.

We’re half-way through this season. The final performances will be at the end of March - early April.

During this reading today, each RA had a guest actor (also a Circle in the Square alum) read with them, so we had 10 actors reading plays in the library in various parts of the room, (while Daniel’s morning group did the same before we arrived). This relieves some of the pressure for the kids during their first reading. Their final plays on Broadway will be performed one-at-a-time on stage.

Circle in the Square has been in collaboration with PS 11 and Daniel Judah Sklar (who created this form of playwriting called Playmaking) for about 18 years. After starting as an RA, myself, I began teaching Playmaking five years ago. I also co-direct the annual Arts Ed program at Circle in the Square with executive director of the school, Colin O’Leary. I love this work, and am constantly grateful to be part of the team.

I’m lucky to have a talented, kind, responsible, and charismatic group of RAs. Each one of them works and relates beautifully with the students. Here we are (minus one: Molly Williams) today at the reading. We’ll take another photo at the final performances to include everyone.

Left to right: Sara Lily, Alex Acosta, me, Bryan Songy, and Robin Murray.

Left to right: Bryan Songy, Alex Acosta, me, Sara Lily, and Robin Murray.