Youth Ink! Responses
Posted by Carrie Hughes on June 5th, 2008 The Youth Ink! Production of A Part of Me Missing |
In our last post I introduced the Youth Ink! program, and discovered I had kind of a lot to say, so these comments get their very own post! Thanks to the playwrights and staff who chimed in to share their thoughts on the Youth Ink! experience.
BRANDY HOFSTETTER, South Hunterdon Regional High School
Author of IF THE CUSHION FITS, SIT
The entire learning process on how to structure plays and how to channel your own inner voice was very fun. Paula, Heather, and Rachel were awesome and always kept us entertained. Our special guests were also amazing.
And then, of course, there was the winning process. Soon after I had found out I was the winner from South Hunterdon (I still get excited when I say it!!!!!!!), I met my dramaturg, Elizabeth Edwards. Who could ask for a better dramaturg? She kept me inspired and upbeat through the whole process AND helped me twist my play into an EPIC! (hehe) Really, she is fabulous though.
Then there was meeting my cast and my director. They are all amazing. I love them all =D The first day of rehearsal with them all was a little frightening, I will admit. We talked about my play on many different, philosophical levels. Which scared me because I thought, “I hope they don’t think I can make this explicit in my play. I only have 10 mins!!” But after the original shock, I really enjoyed my rehearsals. I was surprised about how the actors really got into the parts. Larissa Lury, my director, would address them as the characters they are playing and say, “How do you feeeel?” However, it really seems to have been very productive because they all play the parts wonderfully.
I can’t imagine my play coming out any better or having a better staff to work with. I am very, very, very, very, thankful =]
Thank you all!!!!
PHOEBE ROSE SANDFORD, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South
Author of ECHO IN SILENCE: THINGS LEFT UNSAID
This process for me was a bit like an archaeological dig. I wrote my first drafts without thinking much; I just typed what I heard in my head. Then during rehearsals I had to zoom backwards into my brain to understand why I wrote what I did. Watching these overwhelmingly talented actors work through the inner workings of my mind was both gratifying and helpful in understanding my own thoughts about my past. This was terrifying sometimes but one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had.
ELIZABETH EDWARDS, Festival Dramaturg
I have been looking forward to the Youth Ink! Festival since I first found out about McCarter’s literary internship. And just as I predicted, it has been without a doubt my favorite part of my entire time here at McCarter (which is saying something, because it has been a truly amazing year). One of the best parts, as always, has been the chance to work with such a wonderful collection of people. The producers, stage management team, directors, and actors are so positive, talented, and professional, and I have learned a ton by watching them work their magic.
And the playwrights! These students have so much creativity, maturity, depth, and dedication; I have been absolutely blown away. The thought, time, and energy each of them has devoted to her play has been inspiring and encouraging, and getting to watch each of them truly embrace her inner playwright has been a real gift.
What has been surprising is how much I have learned from this process. My understanding of dramatic structure has gained a new clarity through the process of watching these plays come together. I’ve been introduced to new ways of approaching theater by observing the actors and directors in their rehearsal process. And the bird’s-eye view I have had of the production process has given me a new awareness of the interlocking aspects required to take a work of art from page to stage.
But most exciting of all, I think, is the thought of how many of the brilliant, innovative playwrights of tomorrow may have been awakened to their own abilities by the challenges and opportunities that Youth Ink! has brought to high school students all over the state. Keep an eye out for their work on mainstages around the country in the years to come!
Posted by Carrie Hughes, Literary Manager at McCarter Theatre.
