PLAYWRITING PROGRAM PROFILES

Lauren Parrish

Author of Bee's Monologue & The Butterfly

Age: 13

Grade: 8

Lauren getting all Charlie's Angels with her playwriting partner in crime Morgan.

What was your favorite part about AHHAH's Playwriting Workshop at Scott Middle School?

"I was really impacted by this program. I felt like I was really cared for... like I belonged. I missed a few weeks but, when I came back, I was just as welcomed as before I left. That meant a lot to me. During the weeks I was gone, I felt really down in the dumps. Then, one day, one of the AHHAH teachers Bri found me during school and really encouraged me to come back and participate in the playwriting once again. When I did, I felt like I had found what I was missing; my light."

What did you learn from this experience?

"I learned many valuable skills from this workshop. I learned to write and how to be a friend to everyone. I enjoyed trying new things by stepping out of my comfort zone. I'm no longer afraid to express myself."

Favorite Quote:

"This quote symbolizes AHHAH's Playwriting workshop really well to me...

Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light."

Alexis Maris

Author of Planet Invisible

Age: 12

Grade: 6

Alexis hanging out with her namesake; AHHAH teacher Alexis

What was your favorite part about AHHAH's Playwriting Workshop at Scott Middle School?

"My favorite part was expressing myself in a way I never have before. I'm not usually very talkative and think of myself as almost invisible. The AHHAH teachers, especially Alexis, made me feel less anti-social. It was great to have other students to talk to and to work on my writing with."

What did you learn from this experience?

"I learned how to be more open. Usually when I write something I don't share it for fear of embarrassing myself. Over time, thanks to the AHHAH teachers, I gained more confidence. Now I know that I definitely want to be a writer when I grow up."

Favorite Quote:

"My number one rule for life; Don't judge a book by its cover!"

Taylor Finney

Author of Abby's Way

Age: 14

Grade: 8

Taylor posing with AHHAH teacher Bri

What was your favorite part about AHHAH's Playwriting Workshop at Scott Middle School?

"It was awesome to learn more about writing. I enjoyed getting to know and talk to other students that I've never met before."

What did you learn from this experience?

"I've always wanted to write a book. Being in this club has influenced me to write more effectively."

Favorite Quote:

"Stand up for what you believe, even if you stand alone."

Morgan Morris

Author of Misleading Connections

Age: 14

Grade: 8

Morgan, left, narrating "Corn" during Joanna (center) and Paige (right) Maris' performance

What was your favorite part about AHHAH's Playwriting Workshop at Scott Middle School?

"Getting involved, making friends, and having fun. This workshop was awesome and I hope everyone can experience it."

What did you learn from this experience?

"That inspiration is everywhere... Short but sweet."

Favorite Quote:

As AHHAH teacher Jan told us to write during free writes, even when we can't think of anything else to write... "Turkey sausage, turkey sausage, turkey sausage."

Photo Gallery

Collaborating on their play "Sophie's Story."

From left to right, Abrie, Denisse, Destiny, and Andreas.

From writing it to acting it out!

From left to right, Abrie, Andreas, and Destiny.

AHHAH teachers Bri and Hillary flanked by a lively group of girls.

Peace sign flasher on the left is Destiney, author of "Deep Inside."

Peace sign flasher on the right is Taliyah, co-author of "The Woods."

AHHAH founder and executive director Jan Michener doing what she does best;

teaching and inspiring young artists!

Performance day... with a little help from AHHAH teachers Melaine and Bri, of course!

Jan narrating as (from left to right) Joanna, Yaritza, Destiney, and Taliyah take center stage.

Our Young Playwriters celebrating at the end of the performance festival.