storytelling for mental health – YOUTH WRITING & DIRECTING
ABOUT
Through guided sessions, youth participants generate plots, characters and scenarios that reflect the thoughts and feelings they believe are relevant. The scripts are developed by writer-director, Aakowa, who hires professional actors to create the youth’s vision for presentation for family and friends.
Most important is that in the process of creation, as we talk about the story, there is a positive effect for the mental health & wellness of all youth participants. They are given the platform to express their own truths about the world in a healthy manner.
This is a year-round extracurricular program for those interested. Winter program runs January – April | Summer program runs May – August | Fall program runs September – December.
Important Notes:
- Writing sessions to create stories will be conveniently online
- Rehearsals with actors are in person, as is the final performance
- Fees charged for the program assist with hiring of actors and costs related to final performance
- Parents and/or guardians are welcome to attend throughout the process
SIGN UP TODAY!
*Space is limited each program cycle
Spots are available for Winter Program
January 2025 – April 2025
* It is not mandatory to participate in the entire 4 month program. Sign up only for the weeks interested to join. All youth participants, and their families and friends, who have contributed to any aspect of the stories are invited to attend the final performance.
Writing 1st script (Weeks 1-6)
We will have regular online sessions to create an original script. Story will be based on the thoughts and feelings of youth participants. Includes "table reads" where we get a feel of the story to edit and make changes as needed.
Writing 2nd script (Weeks 7-12)
We will have regular online sessions to create an original script. Story will be based on the thoughts and feelings of youth participants. Includes "table reads" where we get a feel of the story to edit and make changes as needed.
Actors rehearsals for 1st script (Weeks 13-14)
Using the first script, professional actors are hired and youth participants have the opportunity to become co-directors of their own story concept. With live rehearsals, youth participants will help guide actors in how they want them to perform for the eventual final performance.
Actors rehearsals for 2nd script (Weeks 15-16)
Using the second script, professional actors are hired and youth participants have the opportunity to become co-directors of their own story concept. With live rehearsals, youth participants will help guide actors in how they want them to perform for the eventual final performance.
In collaboration with:
Helping youth create the stories they want to tell
Helping youth create the stories they want to tell
Modo Yoga – Yoga
Offering gifts cards, coupons and vouchers for youth participants (Uptown, Lawrence Park or St. Clair West locations)
The Pink Studio – Dance & Fitness
Offering gifts cards, coupons and vouchers for youth participants
