Philadelphia Young Playwrights helps students find their voices

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — “As a result of I am from the North Philadelphia space and I am aware of this inhabitants of scholars, I wished to come back in and attempt to be a car of change for a few of them,” mentioned Donovan Hagins.

Hagins as soon as joined the Philadelphia Younger Playwrights (PYP) in 1998. As a scholar at Temple College, he workshopped the ideas of younger metropolis college students into formidable performs match for stage.

After commencement, he loved skilled work each in theater and as a visitor in varied tv reveals. However in 2019, after the passing of his father, Hagins returned to his roots and have become the resident producer with PYP.

“I do know that at sure ages, a variety of them do not know who they’re,” mentioned Hagins about his college students. “But when they’ll take a bit of little bit of the expertise that we convey to them to search out one thing inside themselves, that is my hope for them.”

Hagins is among the instructors who partnered with Roberto Clemente Promise Academy in North Philadelphia, the place drama class is designed to raise the arrogance of scholars.

“I’ve plenty of hopes for them to proceed to have the ability to discover a voice, to think about themselves as artists,” mentioned drama trainer Valerie Flower.

The writing itch appears to be rubbing off on the scholars in sixth grade.

“It feels fairly wonderful as a result of it seems like I am in management,” mentioned 12-year-old Markita Butler after having written a script.

College students like Butler wrapped up the college 12 months by presenting their very own monologues, studying the works of their classmates, and having fun with knowledgeable actor talking out their very own phrases.

To be taught extra about Philadelphia Younger Playwrights and the way colleges within the Philadelphia space can associate with the group, go to their web site.

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