For Chavez Sophomores, It's Time for the Spotlight

In our "Speedy Playwriting" workshop this past Monday, 10th grade students at Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy developed a three-act play in one school day. The play tackles the complex issue of immigration reform (a subject the class studied last week) and today the playwrights will perform their world premiere for Capitol Hill staffers who work on this issue.

Students began the workshop with a freewriting exercise during which they received a photo of a person or scene related to immigration and created background stories for them. These stories served as inspiration for the play they then developed throughout the day. In a matter of hours, students invented diverse characters, constructed dialogue, imagined settings, and divined plots that combined their intended message and flair for the dramatic. Finally, in what was perhaps the most enjoyable part of the day for students and volunteers alike, desks were pushed back and a stage was set for an improvised performance of the masterpiece. As one current 10th grader/future Tony Award winner put it, "It's time for the spotlight!"

Big thanks to Ms. Katie Douglas, Mr. Adrien Morel, and their capstone class for inviting us to partner with them on this timely effort. Break a leg today!