Through Our Instructors' Eyes

Tyisha attended a South Central high school known as one of the worst. Before class began, Tyisha’s teacher took me aside to warn me about her… If she gave me a problem, I could have her leave for the duration of the workshop. And indeed, on that first day, she did…

Carlos had a dream to play professional soccer. But during his second year of high school, his grandmother died, and his parents decided to return to Mexico for the funeral. As illegals, it was unlikely that they'd be able to return to the US. Carlos decided to stay…

Malik’s high school was renowned for its population of students who have been kicked out of other schools. He told me, flat out, that I wouldn’t want to hear what he had to say. His stuff was for Comedy Central, not some bogus school-sanctioned program…

Maria wrote a “story” about a girl whose parents were in a gang, but against her joining a gang. She was having a very hard time making sense of that and she chose not to accept it…

Tyisha, Carlos, Malik, Maria… their names have been changed, but their stories (which continue below) have not. They are, or were, students in Los Angeles area high schools who have learned the elements of storytelling from Toni Ann Johnson and Monique Matthews, through the Writers Guild Foundation’s High School Screenwriting Workshop.

The Writers Guild Foundation High School Screenwriting Workshop is a two-week course in screenwriting conducted in some of the worst schools in the nation… those in the Los Angeles public school system.

After deconstructing some popular films and television shows to learn basic dramatic structure, each student is asked to complete a short screenplay based on stories drawn from their own lives. On the final day, SAG volunteer actors perform select students’ scripts before the entire class -- and sometimes before the larger student body.

Toni Anne Johnson and Monique Matthews, both WGA members with a background in teaching, helped develop the initial syllabus – which meets crucial English language arts standards and is in fact a literacy tool -- and taught the first workshops using it. They continue to teach the workshops, three years later. Here they talk about screenwriting in the real Los Angeles:

Why did you decide you wanted to help develop and teach the workshops?

Monique:
As a kid growing up in St. Nicholas Projects of Harlem, New York, I loved escaping to different worlds via television and film… but I had no idea that there was an architect – a screenwriter - orchestrating each line, each setting, and each obstacle my heroes and heroines faced. When I found out… whew! My life changed. I dedicated every moment, every thought, to this process of writing… I wanted to share what I learned with others…

What have been some of the highlights? Best times?

Toni Ann:
The first bright spot for me was with a student named G__ in the first workshop. He had seemed incredibly indifferent when we first got there, and by the end he had written a marvelously engaging script about himself and his girlfriend. The look on his face when the actors read his work was something I'll never forget --and it's what hooked me on teaching the workshops.

I've experienced this over and over-- the joy on the kids faces when they hear and see what they've written -- it's very satisfying.

The final performance at Manual Arts [in South Central LA] was spectacular, too… The work that came out of those workshops blew me away. And my students were so gratified by seeing their scripts performed. You could see that this was going to be a memory for them … It's so amazing to be able to give that to someone!

Monique:
My primary reason for helping to develop and teach these workshops is to give a voice to people who generally don’t feel that they have one. So, each time we can get a student to really share is a tremendously invigorating and deeply satisfying experience.

With each workshop I always get a new best time… Invariably it comes in the form of a “coyote:” a student, generally thought to be a behavioral problem, who tries their best to give me a hard time in any way they can. The reward is witnessing this coyote transform into one of the strongest, most dedicated writers of the class. Very often these students have felt shut out and voiceless for so long that they feel the only way to be heard is through being destructive. When they realize that I actually want to hear what they have to say… they unleash with vulnerability and passion so moving, lively, and entertaining that it renews my passion for screenwriting.

What have been some of your greatest challenges? Worst times?

Monique:
Wow, each workshop feels like living a feature film screenplay…You’ve got to go through all types of obstacles… Most teachers are pulling teeth to get papers of 3 – 5 pages, so a 10 – 15 page script seems impossible.

Toni Ann:
Going into a high school was terrifying. I felt like a high school student myself, worrying about whether the other kids would think I was cool enough. But then I calmed down and remembered that I did have something to offer them…

[High school teachers] have too many students, with too many issues and have to be not only an educator, but a social worker and disciplinarian too… It was a bit discouraging, at first, because it felt like we were encouraged not to set the bar too high. But because I was only teaching one class, I could focus a lot of energy on the students I had, and so I was able to get through to those kids in a way that a teacher with a full class load just doesn't have the time to do…

Our materials tended toward the mainstream. Most of our kids are Latino or black. They are not going to come out and tell us, “We'd like to see ourselves reflected in your teaching materials,” but that is, indeed, their sentiment. They let me know that they appreciate that I am interested in films about people like them.

What have you learned from your experience with the workshops that you did not know about teaching? Or about yourself?

Toni Ann:
…how vulnerable teenagers are and how responsive they are to encouragement… Teens can exhibit a lot of bravado and, because they look grown-up, they can put on a good front of impervious coolness, but it's a defense mechanism. They are so in need of love and encouragement…

I also learned that I really love teenagers and that I enjoy teaching. I like it so much that I've gone back to school to get an MFA in creative writing, which will enable me to teach.

Has your experience with the camps crossed into other areas of your life?

Toni Ann:
So much! I now jump at the opportunity to work with kids. Since being involved with the workshops, I feel a responsibility to give time when and where I can.
I had parents who encouraged my interest in the arts and exposed me to things that would make an impression on my developing artistic sensibility. I am now in a position to offer that to my students.

Monique:
It has taught me to stay present. It’s really hard to expose anyone to the fundamentals of the three-act structure and actually have them produce their own screenplay in less than two weeks, but it can be even harder to work with teenagers who may be more concerned with being a teenager and managing grown up responsibilities (many care for younger siblings, work, and support parents) than anything else…

Ultimately, kids might immediately say that they love not having to focus on “regular school work,” but I think they most love having someone come in who not only listens to them, but actually believes they have something worthwhile to share with others.

***
Tyisha’s story continues…
…I told her that her behavior was unacceptable and if she wanted to stay, she would have to obey class rules. She huffed and puffed, but showed up mostly every day. Near the end of the workshop I called Tyisha at home to see where her screenplay was. Tyisha’s grandmother answered the phone. She told me that Tyisha wasn’t home… but wanted to know what her granddaughter had done this time. I told her that Tyisha was actually a fantastic student. Tyisha’s Grandmother started crying on the phone. My call marked the first time, in all of Tyisha’s schooling, that an authority figure called with good news. After an in-class reading, the students and I chose her script for the final presentation. I was beyond humbled that Tyisha chose to bloom during the workshop and that I had the great pleasure of sharing this with her grandmother. - Monique

Carlos’s story continues…
…Carlos finally got his dream: he made the team and became a professional soccer player. But he then faced the daunting task of finishing high school and continuing to work to support himself. As a full-time student, pro athlete, and head of household, he still completed all his assignments and wrote an amazing script. – Toni Ann

Malik’s story continues…
…He wanted to do a comedy about a cheetah who wanted to be a gazelle, but couldn’t, so he killed himself. The other students laughed. I didn’t. I know high school is a time when others want to fit in, but try as they might they cannot. Malik also “joked” a lot about sexuality, so I wondered if he might be having some questions about his own identity. We worked through options for the story, including why suicide was a cheat…Malik seemed resistant – the cheetah had to die for being different. I pushed for something else. He decided not to show up to a class or two, but then he not only showed up, but he was the first to finish his screenplay. And his screenplay is genius – racy, broad, hilarious… it was the biggest hit at the presentation. - Monique

Maria’s story continues…
… Her “protagonist” was in such conflict about joining a gang because her parents were telling her that gangs were wrong. But by telling her that, they were saying that the culture in which she’d been raised was wrong. It felt better to her to see the value in gang culture. She wanted to be proud of her family, not ashamed. So, against their wishes, she joined the gang… and devastated her parents. Maria told this complex and fascinating drama with honesty and courage… it was more than story. – Toni Ann

If you want to find out more about the Writers Guild Foundation Screenwriting Workshop, or how you can help give a high school student the opportunity to tell his or her story, please visit wgfoundation.org or call Adam Huss, Director of Outreach Programming for the WGF, at 323-782-4692.

Toni Ann Johnson is a two time winner of the Humanitas Prize, in 1998 for her teleplay, "Ruby Bridges" and in 2004 for her teleplay, "Crown Heights." Her pilot, "Save The Last Dance," was produced in 2002. Her most recent feature is "Step Up 2 The Streets." She is a Sundance Screenwriting Fellowship alum and currently an MFA in creative writing candidate at Antioch University.

Monique N. Matthews - a Harlem, New York native - has written for MGM, Walt Disney and Paramount Pictures and worked with MTV Films and Wendy Finerman Productions, among others. She was one Daily Variety’s “10 Writers to Watch” and lab fellow in Film Independent’s prestigious Directors and Writers Labs. Monique has recently completed her latest spec Home Sweet Harlem.

Actress - Kathrien Ahn

When I first got involved with the WGF High School Workshop, I didn't know what to expect. I just knew that they needed volunteer actors to help bring to life scripts written by various high school students. I grew up in Philadelphia with no real thoughts of pursuing a career in Entertainment because you just don't do that in Philly. It wasn't in the realm of possibility.

I remember attending one of these workshops as a volunteer actor and really just meshing with the kids who seemed to light up when we brought their words to life. As an actor/writer, you're putting yourself out there to be judged, whether its how you deliver a line or how you write that character description. Its courageous to put yourself out there, especially when you're still in your teens.

Some of these kids, you can tell that writing really is their calling. The hardships at home, school, or life, have helped these kids become writers who are just starting out and learning how to make a scene work, or make a line funny. As actors, we're the last piece to that puzzle. I'm so proud and grateful to have been part of these WGF High School Workshops and I hope to continue to do so in the future.

Best,
Kathrien Ahn
www.girlatastartup.wordpress.com

Actor/Comedian Nestor Rodriquez

I have participated in WGF screenwriting workshops for over a year and I cannot express how gratifying it is to be able to offer the student's a visual manifestation of their screenplays. I am always amazed at the capacity for honesty and how they often write their screenplays with so much humor considering where most of them come from!
The reward for me is immense because I get to experience the laughter, the joy and the hope that the students receive. I intend on participating in these workshops as long as I can and encourage anyone who wants to receive more than they give to partake and offer hope to our future.


Nestor Rodriguez
www.nestorious.com

Actor/Director Dave Romano

This was my first workshop with the WGF. I was so impressed with the level of writing and with the integrity of the staff. I could see the feeling of accomplishment on the young faces of the students when their words were spoken. For me, it doesn't get much better than that. Anytime any of us can enrich a young mind we are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing. I am already telling many of my fellow actors about my experience and many of them want to participate. Keep up the good work and thank you for inviting me to be a part of this program.

Dave Romano

Actor/Writer Nicole Gabriella Scipione

This Writers Guild Foundation Program is vital for a host of reasons, in this actor/writer's opinion. The beautiful but agonizing gift of handing your work to strangers to cold read, and realizing that some things you thought were clear are not, as an adult actor completely botches some slang you wrote, or doesn't speak in the rhythms you imagine, is a real life necessity for the student writers. As an actor-writer, part of the deal is giving it away, eventually, so this program is a little semi-safe womb to practice giving your work to others. Conversely, the students get to see their story affecting other students (and us, the actors!) to laughter or sorrow; they might have not believed a stranger would love their script unless they witnessed it. The stories break my heart! They write tales of parental neglect, an uncaring social system, peer pressure, and stories of hope, and WIT. I heard an amazingly funny, endearing, and well shaped script - "Played" by Cameron Brown at LACES - with a real live twist at the end. I'm certain this program is an awesome creative writing class for every single participant, at the least, and to many, is a significant inspiration in the lives of our future generation of writers.

Nicole Gabriella Scipione

Actress - Stefany Northcutt

"When I leave the workshop I always feel so fulfilled. It's a feeling I would love to say happens at the end of every performance of mine, however, that would be a lie. It's rare. I'm unsure of the specific reason on why I'm so fulfilled by the experience so, I'll just go down the list of things that I love about being a part of the workshop: when the magic of 'getting into' the scene I'm acting begins to happen & It's the first time I've even read the scene...it's THAT cold, reminds me there's still magic in me & revives my confidence in my self as an actress; how the kids receive their applause for writing their script when they stand & the blush begins to cross their face; the brightness in their eyes; the stories from their imaginations or life are really THAT good; their laughter; the opportunity to perform a wide range of diverse characters; meeting new people; seeing Adam & Kendell again; watching Adam & Kendell in their 'element'. It's very clear to me that Adam & Kendall genuinely love doing the workshop and are sincerely happy to see the scripts come alive. Whatever the reason or reasons, I love being a part of it and hope to be a part of it for a long time!"

www.stefanynorthcutt.com

Quotes from Academy of Recording Arts, Hawthorne

“I was initially nervous that writing a screenplay in two weeks would be a daunting task, yet my students were motivated by Monique’s level of expertise and high expectations.” - Nimat Jones, English Advisor

“As an educator I was impressed by Monique’s ability to enhance the traditional English curriculum through screenwriting, and to build a positive community within the classroom and school by encouraging students to share their work and by bringing professional actors to perform the students’ scripts.” - Nimat Jones, English Advisor

“I thought the program was fun and educational.” – Carina Meza, Student

“The program showed me something new. Now I want to write and direct my own films.” - Travon Clark, Student

“After I completed the program, I constantly thought about how t.v. shows and movies are made. Now I am very interested in a career in cinematography.” - Nnaji Singleton, Student

“As a film teacher at the Academy of Recording Arts I found the program to supplement my own lesson plans. The program provided our students with the fundamentals of screenwriting within a matter of weeks. We need more effective programs such as this.”
- Jewel Love, Director of Film Production

You Rock!

You know who you are.

You are the givers. The ones who enhance all our lives. The lights.

You're the teachers, the assistants, the principals, the volunteers, and the administrators who enable us to bring the Writers Guild Foundation High School Workshop to your students.

You're our contributors, who by your generosity make the Workshops a financial possibility.

You're our instructors. The Workshops succeed because of your ability to connect and inspire and illuminate. Your hard work is the heart of what we do.

You're our actors. You volunteer your time and talents to bring students' words and stories to life. You manifest all our efforts. You are the climax of the workshops

You're our students... the reason we do this. Your creativity, your potential, and your fearless self-expression inspire us to show you the opportunities you have and help you use them.

You rock. All of you. We just wanted you to know.

We look forward to reading your thoughts about the Workshops here. Thank you!