This week’s camp and workshops looked a lot different, as we were working with 14-17-year-olds on playwriting rather than 8-10-year-olds. Over the course of the week, students learned the fundamentals of script writing and directing, wrote their own individual plays, and performed them on the final day. I helped students learn how to format a script, write stage directions, and think about character expression. At first, I was sort of intimidated by the thought of working with teens. But this group was genuinely one of the most kind, nonjudgmental, and creative groups I’ve ever worked with. In fact, at the end of the week, many of them reported in our feedback book that Fighting Words was one place they felt unconditionally accepted and free to express themselves. This feeling came through in the final performances. Students’ plays were about everything from light-hearted inside jokes to more intimate themes, such as mental health struggles or insecurities.
The main challenge of this week was balancing inclusion with successfully creating a final production. There were some reserved students who did not want to act or have their plays performed. However, we also had to ensure that the same outgoing students weren’t performing in every single play. Therefore, casting the plays and planning the rehearsal schedules was a challenge. Also, in addition to working with other college-aged interns, I work alongside older, retired volunteers. It can often be difficult to ensure that these volunteers are on the same page as the interns and students, and conflicting priorities can confuse students and complicate time-sensitive performance or rehearsal schedules. So this week, I’ve been learning a lot about effective communication, planning, and organizing people. I have also had to let go of some of my expectations for a perfectly efficient schedule.
At the beginning of the week, I also got to help lead workshops at the Kaleidoscope Festival in County Wicklow. It was really fun to learn how Fighting Words leads creative writing workshops in a more transient setting. I was able to lead workshops on character building, zine making, and present an opportunity for kids to share their stories with an audience. It was so cute to see how excited everyone was to share their stories, even after only spending an hour or so with the group.
Outside of work, I’ve been getting to know the other interns, exploring Dublin, and trying to take day trips around Ireland when I can. Yesterday I traveled to Kilkenny and Glendalough, which were both stunning—I got to tour the monastic site ruins, hike to a gorgeous mountain lake, and hold a lamb!!!