Especially geared for youth-at-risk and reluctant writers, this residency begins with setting guidelines for behavior together. The group brainstorms and discusses hot topics for a performance. Students write short pieces on topics that are important to them in genres that make sense to them. They collaborate on taking their writings from the page to the stage. If all goes according to plan, the residency culminates in a performance conceived and created by the performers about the issues that keep them awake at night and get them out of bed in the morning.
Curricular Connections:
English Language Arts 3.02, Express an informed opinion that: states clearly a personal view, is logical and coherent, engages the reader's interest or curiosity. 3.03 Support that informed opinion by: providing relevant and convincing reasons, using various types of evidence, such as experience or facts, using appropriate and effective language, reasons, and organizational structure for the audience and purpose
What the Director of Partners for Youth (Durham, NC) said about this residency:
"She was able to coordinate performances on topics including suicide, and growing up without a father....I observed students who were reticent in other settings to talk about issues confronting them, openly express their feelings through these productions. It's Sheila's openness and respect for young people which made them willing to share their thoughts and experiences with others."
What the psychologist at Meadowbrook Alternative School (King, NC) said about this residency:
"The response of the students was incredible, in fact much better than we had anticipated. They were involved, worked hard on the project with Ms. Kerrigan. In addition they showed improved attendance and in-class behavior in other classes as well."
