Acting in Everyday Life

My class chose Bradley Hayward's Apostrophe's even though I had a feeling it would not go over with an eighth grade audience. I was wrong. The students liked the fact that all parts could be played by either sex. They used this for 35% of their grade and nearly all students earned an A or B. Because some of the parts were short, even my special education students were able to shine.

I greatly enjoyed directing 'A Lighter Shade of Noir' last year with my middle school theater students. It had everything I was looking for in a script for 6th, 7th and 8th graders: lots of parts for girls or parts that could be changed to female roles, action without lots of fighting, multiple character scenes that had things to do while other people were talking, a main story line but also sub-plots, links to school subjects (like literature and history), and most importantly - dialogue that I could stand listening to over and over in rehearsal that gave the students motivation to look deeper and deeper into their character development. I hope you write more for theater, especially children's theater. We need more good writing for these young actors. Sharon Boski

I just wanted to tell you that my cast LOVES your play (Look Me in the Eye). They have done more analysis on the plot and character (all on their own) than with any other show I have done. I would like to express my gratitude for your work. Last year we did your Ths Phne 2: The Next Generation and we went to State with it. It is so great to find quality scripts on modern topics that students can relate to. Since we have to take everything on a school bus, I so appreciate your simple, easy sets. You are our secret weapon for the One Act Competition. Keep up the great work.