My Nonprofit Reviews
Kayla R.
Review for all for One productions inc, Fort Wayne, IN, USA
In our modern era of video games, tv, and electronics, kids don't have much exposure to live theatre, or even writing. ttyl, lol, g2g -- that's how kids write! What are punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and spelling? Idk. They don't know how to communicate face-to-face or show emotion without an emoticon. Challenging kids to write plays teaches them not only how to use the English language, but give them the experience of live theatre where they can see communication through tone and body language as well. Kids have important things to say, and the Young Playwrights Festival is helping them learn how to say it in a rewarding, safe environment.
I've been involved with YPF since it first started three years ago. Every year I come back because I believe in its purpose. When I read the play entries, write playwright bios, or step onto the stage, I keep the playwright's picture in my mind. I've been in the shoes of a young playwright. Anticipation and excitement build as the stage is set for their play, and once the last line is done, their mind is filled with wonder and a determination to write more. Doesn't every young writer dream of a chance to see their work published? I think it's so cool to see this opportunity for kids even as young as Kindergarteners to have their work not only published in a book, but performed for a live audience of family, friends, teachers, and even complete strangers who just have a passion for theatre. With groups like afO, the next generation of children are going to do something great.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Walking around after the performances of YPF I could see so many glowing little faces of young playwrights who probably thought they were in a dream. That is why I do this. Their expression as they see the play they wrote on paper performed with actors, set, costumes, and lights on a stage is something that can't be explained, you just have to see it. I love it when kids tell me afterwards that they are working on more pieces, that this experience has inspired them to write more.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
There isn't much I would change about the Young Playwrights Festival, except to get more people to come! I would love to see the entire auditorium packed for every performance.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Working as the administrative intern for YPF has taught me so many things and I feel extremely blessed to have had this experience. I've learned there is so much stuff that goes on behind the scenes of a play that I never knew even as an actress. It was awesome to try my hand at graphic design for programs and books, researching how to write press releases and contact media, organize registrations, and assist with the load-in and building of set. As a playwright, it has taught me more about the stage and it's possibilities, as a person it has given me more confidence in myself. I learned that even though I may only be 17, there is nothing that can hold you back if you try hard enough. And certainly, I learned that when we lean on God, miracles can happen.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
