On Tuesday, May 22nd, and Saturday, June 26th, the fourth annual Playmaking performance streamed live on LAMusArt’s Youtube channel. On this occasion the performance was divided into two parts. Part 1 & 2 showcased the works of a total of ten brilliant young playwrights of the ages 9-11. Since 2017 the Playmaking program has been provided a resource for young students to tap into their creative potential in storytelling. Students are immersed in learning the fundamentals of playwright over the course of 10 weeks before premiering their plays performed by professional actors.
Playwrights Miabella Lopez, Ava Castañeda, Jade Huerta, Jaelynn Hayes, Julia Zapata, Mateo Chavez, Lucia Castaneda, Leah Arreola, Nicolas Urenda, and Violet Luna Orona each welcomed the audience to a virtual world filled with music, laughter, and drama through their original stories. This wide range of plays not only entertained viewers with exotic animals, talking plants, villains and superheroes. On Playmaking night part 2, Lucia Castaneda shed light on gentrification through her use of metaphor in her play Through A Rabbit’s Eyes which reminds the audience to “SPEAK UP” to make change. These young storytellers used their new platform for such social justice topics and also aimed to spread their values, exploring themes of empathy through a story on AAPI individuals or the importance of choosing kindness and also pure stories that offered a slice of life insight into their joyful imaginative minds.
The Playmaking 2021 class learned the fundamentals of theatre, created and built an entire play virtually and with the support of their directors and dramaturgs. As this and other courses shift toward a return to campus, Manuel Prieto, Executive Director shared his sentiment. “Let’s keep the East LA community thriving through arts education as we rebuild, restore, and inspire our community’s youth.” During these socially distant times the virtual world has opened the doors for new ways of creative expression. Students and educators have had to think outside the box, allowing space for growth and innovation within the arts community.
Playmaking featured professional actors Ammy Ontiveros, Arthur Keng, Bernard Addison, Ebony Howard, Liz Morrison, Jor-el Vaasborg, Marnina Schon, Stephanie T. Keefer, Tarah Pollock and Tiana Randall-Quant. Plays were directed by a dedicated team of professionals including Eddie Ruiz, Alice Tuan, Zury Ruiz, Jully Lee, Sarah Cho, Evan Enderle, Sandy Masciarelli, Parker Huseby, Nathan Singh, and Jessica Hanna. Each play was supported behind the scenes by Music Director Austin Chanu, Envizion Group, Costume Designer & Stage Manager Tahnee Freda, Sound Designer Jose Fletes, Prop Designer Angelene Storey, and Program Assistant Reed Campbell.
LAMusArt invites you to our next LAMusArt Live! show Saturday, July 24th at 8pm. The talented and versatile Esquires will delight the whole family, playing a variety of music in addition to the Big Band Swing music you know and love. Join us for a swingin’ summer night with the Fabulous Esquires Big Band, all from the comfort of your home! RSVP today at www.LAMusArt.org/season.
Los Angeles Music and Art School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to provide the community of East Los Angeles, specifically its K-12 population, with equitable and affordable access to multidisciplinary arts education programs year-round. If you haven't done so already, we invite you to make a tax deductible contribution to our Thrive Campaign today!
The 2021 Playmaking performance is currently available to stream on LAMusArt’s YouTube Channel and at www.LAMusArt.org/season. Students interested in the drama program can learn more about various classes at www.LAMusArt.org/Drama.
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