APAC Plays Added To Library Collection

The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) has announced that the Astoria Branch of the Queens Borough Public Library will be accepting into its permanent collection the complete series of plays written by middle-school students in the APAC Playmaking Program. This single bound volume of 15 student-written plays will be made available to the public, signaling the library's and community's support of the writings of Queens youths.

"The Queens Library is delighted to house a collection of plays written by the APAC Playmaking Program middle-school students," Thomas W. Galante, library director, said. "The Queens Library takes pride in the enrichment of children's lives by providing invaluable programs and services. We are excited to add this series of plays to our diverse collection of materials here at the Queens Library."

The APAC Playmaking Program is built around a specific method of teaching playwriting to children. During two five-week cycles of after-school classes, each student writes one short play. The new works are then directed and performed by adult, professional actors. Developed by Daniel Judah Sklar, author of Playmaking: Children Writing and Performing Their Own Plays, the program came to life at The 52nd Street Project, a Manhattan youth arts organization. Results of the program have shown that children given focused attention by a teaching artist and supported by adult volunteers are able to build their self esteem as they develop new skill sets through playwriting. The classes are a mix of theater games, improvisations and writing.

"Everything about APAC's Playmaking Program is about validating the importance of kids finding their own voices," Taryn Drongowski, APAC executive director, said. "They put a lot of work into their plays, and that work is honored with attention from a lot of adults, including teachers, volunteers, actors, directors, community leaders, audience members, and now the library. The message to the students is clear-use your imaginations, work hard, be yourselves and have fun!"

With the support of City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., APAC was given a CASA Award from the city Department of Youth and Community Development to start a playwriting program at I.S. 126, the Albert Shanker School for the Visual and Performing Arts in Astoria. APAC extends special thanks to Vallone Jr. for his constant support.

"I'm so proud of these kids and all the work that APAC does," Vallone Jr. said, "It's also good to know that if I happen to miss a show I can always go to the library and check out a copy."

The second round of plays, eight in total, was presented to the public free of charge in a staged reading by professional, adult actors and directors on Tuesday, June 27 at 6 p.m. at I.S. 126. This performance will be followed by an encore presentation at the Astoria branch of the Queens Borough Public Library this summer in celebration of the students' 15 complete new works being accepted into the library's permanent collection. The first round of plays, seven in total, was presented in April.

For more information regarding the APAC Playmaking Program or any other of APAC's theatre and performing arts pro