PLAY/WRITE is Relative Theatrics newest 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 5th graders.
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 5th graders.
In our pilot year, we are thrilled to bring PLAY/WRITE to:
Spring Creek Elementary, GO SHARKS! and Linford Elementary, GO LIONS! The goals of PLAY/WRITE are threefold:
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RT’s PLAY/WRITE program has two main components:
- 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.
- A performance Showcase featuring 8 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. The 2023 Play/Write Showcase will be on May 19th.
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 his/her very own play, typed, formatted and printed in professional script format.
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 his/her very own play, typed, formatted and printed in professional script format.
Meet Our Teaching Artists
Kim Lockhart
Kim received her BFA in Theatre Directing and Playwriting from the University of Wyoming in 2013. After moving away for several years, Kim returned to Laramie two years ago. She took over the role of Production Manager for Relative Theatrics in the summer of 2021. Since then, she has also played the role of Actor, Director, Stage Manager, and Prop Designer for many of the plays Relative Theatrics has put on these last two seasons. While living in Denver, Kim worked with elementary students teaching drama and drawing classes for after school programs throughout the years, and was beyond excited to be offered the opportunity to teach for PLAY/WRITE. Kim loves working with kids and is very excited to see what these students create this year. production@relativetheatrics.com
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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. communications@relativetheatrics.com
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For more information, contact Project Director, Will Bowling communications@relativetheatrics.com
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.
Wyoming Community Foundation, The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, ANB Bank, and your generous support.