Young Voices With New Visions

I have had such a privilege to work with amazing directors, technical crew, actors and other writers over the last week, and have learned so much about myself and my writing...I'm so excited to say that my play The Teds of Dagenham will be read tomorrow night at the Mask Center in Little Five Points! Thank you Sandra Hughes and Pamela-Faith Jackson for this outstanding opportunity! Eleni Demestihas YVNV UNDERGRADUATE PLAYWRIGHTS COLLECTIVE

Hi Pamela-Faith Thank you so much for giving your time and energy to Lily! You are a gift in our lives. Whatever happens with the play competition-wise is secondary. I just feel so grateful for her connection with you and her being coached through this experience of writing. She is building life skills and a belief in herself that will serve her always! Thank you! Mia Merlin Satisfied Mom

I saw my daughter's vision come alive. It is very exciting to see seeds planted in children that may produce awesome things in their futures. Thanks YVNV to giving Jaiya a chance. Bravo to the actors. (Dec. 2010) Sheila Smith "Awed" Mom

A remarkable, student initiated, yearlong arts and education project culminated in the Young Voices With New Visions Play Festival at Woodland Charter Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia on the evening of November 17, 2009. The Celebration of Plays by Kids, about Kids and for Kids featured original plays written by four students with a cast of 30 young actors from the Woodland Ensemble Company. Parent and teacher volunteer directors with professional acting, directorial, dramaturgical and literary backgrounds guided the emerging artists through the processes of producing, presenting and performing the plays for the festival. The writing was accomplished, compelling and, at times, intentionally comic. Each playwright?s unique voice was honored by a fully staged production with enthusiastic and committed performances by the acting ensemble. Families and interested community members created a full house in support of the student's creative efforts. Sandra Hughes Gateway Production-Mask/Mime Artist

Hi, I did make it to the performance. It was a great experience! I'm proud of Farasha's work and thankful to you for the time you spent with her nurturing her gift. The actors were also very good. We enjoyed viewing the other plays as well. Please keep us in the loop about other opportunities for writers. Thanks again! Latoya Jenkins Grove Park Intermediate & Woodson Primary Gifted & Talented Educ

Thank YOU so much for providing this amazing program for the public! Oscar Gittemeier Youth Services Librarian Atlanta-Fulton Public E. Atlanta Branch

"Gianna did an incredible job writing her play. As she continues to write, I am sure we will find her to achieve much more. I am proud to say I was able to work with her. Although I aspire to be a film director, directing a live show was very beneficial, and an incredible experience! The art of film and live theater are different in many aspects. However, the concept of having a vision and making it real apply to both. I only hope Gianna was pleased with our production and we were able to bring her vision to life. Thanks to Mrs. Jackson for making this all possible! Congrats, Gianna! Marva Bagher Director, (Student @ Riverwood High School

As an educator, over the years, I have watched Pamela-Faith Jackson exemplify a strong commitment to arts programming at Woodland Charter and throughout metro Atlanta. Under Ms. Jackson's leadership, students have excelled both socially and academically. I have watched students who experienced marginal success in the classroom begin to exude confidence in themselves after working with Ms. Jackson. These students realized from their experience in Young Voices With New Visions that they could obtain their dreams. Many of her students continued writing plays even after moving on to middle school. What Ms. Jackson does for her students is truely amazing. I am trilled to hear about Gianna's accomplishment. Fadina

My granddaughter has become a writer. She spent time today with Ms. Jackson and I was amazed at the story she created. I believe play writing has become her favorite thing. I was also extremely pleased with the excitement she experience today with her work and I saw a happiness on her face that warmed my heart. I can't wait to hear what she writes next. Stacey Copeland Proud Grandmother

I was very moved by my daughter's role in 5 princesses. She had her first solo as well as a supporting role. She is in 4th Grade over at Woodland Elementary. Ms. Jackson I want to say Thank you.. as the program has inspired Serayah in many ways to reach for her goals. This feels like the foundation to her future. Thanks You Again.. Parent (Dec. 2010) Theisha McCClashie 5 Princesses