storytelling for mental health
YOUTH WRITING & DIRECTING
ABOUT
As an extracurricular-afterschool program, Storytelling for Mental Health is specifically for teens interested to gain experience as a writer-director in theatre and film. They will get hands-on opportunity into crafting a script and build their resume with noted credits, developing a professional theatrical show for family and friends to attend. Keep them engaged throughout the year, in person and online, in small groups, contributing creative ideas that will form the final story. Hire and work with professional actors, as directors, ensuring the vision for the script is accurately showcased on stage.
The process of creation is an exercise in mental-health wellness, as we analyze our own beliefs and thoughts through our characters and plots. Youth are given the platform to express their own truths about the world in a healthy manner among a small group. They are also able to connect with others who have similar interest, forming unique bonds as they attempt to create a theatrical masterpiece! Winter program runs: January to April | Summer program runs May to August | Fall program runs September to December.
Important Notes:
- Maximum of 6 participants per group, ensuring all ideas are heard and proper attention is given to each participant.
- Fees charged for the program assist with hiring of actors and costs related to the program i.e. food, rental facilities.
- Attend in-person sessions over 4 weeks. Writing sessions to create stories will happen at 805 Dovercourt Road or public libraries meeting rooms from approximately 5pm-630pm (will try to work with everybody’s schedule).
- There is option for youth to access the script in development, online, daily. Offer your edits and ideas to make the script perfect!
- When scripts are finished, actor auditions, rehearsals are in person at 805 Dovercourt Road. Toronto, ON (Bloor-Ossignton) from approximately 5pm-630pm (will try to accommodate with everybody’s schedule).
- Parents and guardians are welcome to attend throughout the creative process.
- Final event (called Theatre Masterminds) features select scripts, followed by thoughtful panel discussion. Hosted by The Aakowa Parables Inc. Open for the public to purchase tickets to attend.
- The final theatrical skit is recorded and put onto the aakowa.com catalog of stories to rent. Name credits given for youth participant.
- Profits for rental of story off the aakowa.com platform will go to the chosen good cause all youth participants agreed upon.
- At the end of each term, each participant is encouraged to share their thoughts about what their created story offers as thoughtful insight.
SIGN UP TODAY!
Once you are registered, you will receive a welcome email with further instructions. Looking forward to your storytelling sessions!