The middle school students of Horace Greeley (Astoria Intermediate School 10 – IS 10) have begun round one of the 5th Annual Astoria Playmaking Program. Classes are a mix of theater games, improvisations and writing guided by teaching artist Susan Willerman.

After a 6-week cycle of twice-a-week after school classes each student will have written one short play. These short plays will be brought to life on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 6pm at the Horace Greeley Intermediate School.

The plays will be presented to the public – free of charge – in a staged reading by professional, adult actors and directors.

NOTE: IF YOU ARE AN ACTOR OR DIRECTOR WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED, PLEASE EMAIL DAVE CHAREST AT This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bringing imagination to life

"I loved being a part of APAC's Playmaking Program," said Carla Marfe, a past 8th grade participant in the program. "It really gave me a chance to use my imagination, make new friends and learn how to write a play. I never knew how much work it was to write a play, but I'm glad that I finished mine."

A proven method of teaching playwriting to children

The Astoria Playmaking Program is built around a specific method of teaching playwriting to children. Developed by Daniel Judah Sklar, the program came to life at the extremely successful Manhattan youth arts organization: The 52nd Street Project.

The program results at the 52nd Street Project have shown that children given “focused attention” by a teaching artist and supported by adult volunteers are able to build their self esteems as they develop new skill sets through playwriting.

Honoring the students' hard work

“They put a lot of work into their plays, and that work is honored with attention from a lot of adults, including teachers, volunteers, actors, directors, community leaders and audience members. The message to the students is clear – use your imaginations, work hard, be yourselves and have fun!” says APAC Executive Director Taryn Drongowski.

Support from the community

With the support of Council Member Peter Vallone Jr., APAC was given a CASA Award from the NYC Department of Youth to start a playwriting program in Astoria.

“I'm so proud of these kids and all the work that APAC does,” stated Vallone Jr. “It's also good to know that our youngest citizens of Queens are focusing their energies on writing and education.”