Pocantico Hills CSD

Pocantico third graders received a rousing amount of inspiration during a performance by actors from Pleasantville-based ARC Stages. The troupe of actors visited the school as part of the theater’s Vision and Voices Playwriting Residency.

The class is in the process of learning how to write their own plays. During the performance, they were introduced to the elements that contribute to creating a script and ultimately an exciting story.

Aspiring writers were asked to “show us the art that is in your heart,” during a musical performed by ARC Stages staff.

The story shares how one writer struggles to come up with an idea for a story. That is until “Steve,” the Muse, appears.

“Steve” then helps the writer learn how to ask questions that will then inform what their story is all about. He asks writers to consider WHERE their story takes place, WHO their hero is, WHAT is the goal for the protagonist and also WHAT is the PROBLEM that the main character must solve.

When asked for ideas, the third graders determined their original play would be about Cactus Man, who lives in a garbage can who wants to avoid an evil raccoon all while being confronted with a garbage avalanche.

Finally, the students were asked to consider what it is their story is trying to say?

“Don’t worry if it’s silly or bizarre, be creative, be amazing and ask ‘why not?” the students were told.

After the show, the students engaged in a creativity workshop with the teaching artists from Arc Stages. They guided the students through brainstorming activities to begin to compose a play. Students were invited to share their work with their peers, explained teacher Marina Pisto.
The next step will be for students to write a play of their own. The actors will return in a few weeks to help students with their original plays.
Eventually the students will submit their plays to ARC Stages and its possible one, or more, will be selected by the theater group to be performed live on stage!