​PLAY/WRITE is Relative Theatrics' arts education initiative.
A two-part program, PLAY/WRITE teaches the foundations of dramatic writing and theatre literacy, and produces a community showcase of work written by talented Laramie 4th, 5th and 6th graders.

In our third year, we are thrilled to bring PLAY/WRITE to:

Linford Elementary, GO LIONS!
and
Rock River Elementary, GO LONGHORNS!
and
Slade Elementary, GO EAGLES!
and
​Spring Creek Elementary, GO SHARKS!
​

The goals of PLAY/WRITE are threefold:

1. To create skill and passion for writing.
2. To foster creative thinking.
3. To introduce students to theatre as an art form and create a lifelong interest in the arts.

RT’s PLAY/WRITE program has two main components:

1. Yearlong playwriting classes during which RT teaching artists work with fifth and sixth grade students on playwriting and performance. Each student writes many original plays and chooses one to be edited and expanded into a full length play, which is published by RT. 
2. A performance Showcase featuring 9 student-written plays presented by professional theatre and dance companies at Buchanan Center for Performing Arts and the University of Wyoming. There are two performances: one in the daytime when students attend on a field trip, and an evening show that is open to the public. 
   

PLAY/WRITE curriculum is based on the idea that students learn from doing. It combines theatre activities – games, improvised scenes, students staging short works – with lessons on writing – exploration of dramatic conflict, believable dialogue, and developing a plot map. 
During the 20-week Play/Write residency, each student in the program writes a short play that demonstrates mastery of Common Core writing standards. The teaching artists lead students through the playwriting process: prewriting and drafting, individual and group conferences, revisions, and finally, publication.
In addition to attending the Showcase at the end of the program, each student receives a bound copy of their very own play, typed, formatted and printed in professional script format.

Meet Our Teaching Artists

Kim Lockhart

Kim graduated with her BFA in Theatre Playwriting/Directing from University of Wyoming in 2013. After that, Kim lived in Denver where she worked with elementary students teaching drama and drawing classes for after school programs throughout the 6 years there. Kim now is the Production Manager for Relative Theatrics and was beyond excited to be offered the opportunity to teach for PLAY/WRITE as it combines her love of  working with kids and fostering a positive relationship with art. Kim is excited for what this program can offer both the students and the community!
 [email protected]

Will Bowling

​Will is a writer, performer and musician recently transplanted in Laramie. He is the Founding Artistic Director of the New Orleans based company, Goat In The Road, and has spent 13 years in the Crescent City making original, ensemble devised performance works with a company of friends and artists. Will created and taught the PLAY/WRITE Program in Louisiana public schools for many years before bringing the program to WY. He’s thrilled to be working with talented 5th graders at Spring Creek and Linford Elementary. education@relativetheatrics.com

Sean Coyle

Sean Coyle is the Artistic and Executive Director of Relative Theatrics. He has been a frequent collaborator with RT since 2014. He holds a B.A. in Theatrical Performance from the University of Wyoming and a Master's of Library Science and Information from the University of Central Missouri. In the past he has worked as a youth and teen services librarian as well as a substitute teacher and reading instructor. Sean has always loved all things theatrical and working with bright young minds.
[email protected]

For more information, contact Project Director, Will Bowling [email protected]

PLAY/WRITE began in September of 2022 and is modeled off a program of the same name run by the New Orleans based theater company, Goat In The Road. PLAY/WRITE is also inspired by youth playwriting programs around the country (WiseWrite in St. Louis, The 52nd Street Project in NYC, the Manton Avenue Project in Providence). 

PLAY/WRITE is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Program, Wyoming Humanities,
​Wyoming Community Foundation, The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, ANB Bank, and your generous support.