Theater News

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Selects Boston Children's Theatre to Run Playwriting Program for Public School Students

BCT Artistic Director Burgess Clark will offer local Boston students a theatrical master class.

BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark
BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark

Boston Children's Theatre has been selected by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to implement an inclusive playwriting program within the Boston Public School system. BCT is one of only nine theaters — and the only children's theater — in the country chosen to run this program. The program, created by VSA, a department of the Education Division of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, will be open to children both with and without disabilities.

"We have an active new works program, experienced staff, established community partnerships and most importantly, a strong commitment to providing integrated productions, classes and workshops for children with disabilities," BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark commented. "This program speaks directly to BCT's philosophy and mission."

Under Clark's tutelage, staff and students from the Boston metro area will work together over a 10-week period to examine the art of designing plot, conflict, dialogue, and all other facets of playwriting. The final weeks will home in on the writing process, guiding students to the final submission of a completed script.

"Students who find writing intimidating often excel in dramatic writing," says Clark. "Playwriting provides common ground to vastly different viewpoints. The key to good playwriting is observation and any barriers that may exist between students with and without disabilities evaporate through the common experience of composing together."