When Laura Carnell Elementary’s first-ever ASAP Drama club started this fall, students had just nine weeks to learn how to build props, craft a story, block characters on a stage, and memorize lines for a show in front of the entire school. And almost none of them had ever done theatre before.
“I was nervous, but I did like it!” says Mckenzie, a Carnell third grader.
“They were excited to make a show,” adds Noah, one of two professional artists leading the club. Club sessions included lessons on pantomime, tableau, and set creation. “They loved making props. And then crafting a story with just open-ended questions: ‘What happens next?’ and ‘We have these two plot points—what happens between?’ ”
As weeks passed, the kids soaked it all in, and even started improving their own shows on the spot during breaks.
“We gave everybody a chance to do something that they felt comfortable in,” says Noah, whether that was being prop master or the start of Act I.
For the show’s final act, students created their own version of the tale The Ugly Duckling, with eagles (go Birds!), a fairy godmother, and a beach party with the duckling and all her friends. Not only did the piece reflect everything the students learned over the semester; it alchemized experiences and emotions from the students’ day to day lives.
And in the welcoming space created by Dana and Noah, the kids were very eager to weave their own lives into their scenes. “Some of the kids who started off quiet, like *very* quiet, became a lot more talkative,” says Dana.
After the show, a group of students talked happily, buzzing with accomplishment.
“It doesn’t matter how you’re scared, you’re able to do it!” says third grader Nadayah.
“It’s really about giving them an ear,” Dana says. “Allowing them the space to feel how they are feeling. Sometimes they just need to sit on the side and go through what they’re going through. And then they’ll take a moment to sit on the side and a few minutes later, they’re back up with us again.”
P.S. Your donation makes a difference for Philly youth!
Only 10% of PA children who want to be in afterschool are enrolled in a program, according to the America After 3PM 2025 report. A top barrier? Affordability—over 50% of PA parents cite cost as a key reason their child isn’t involved in afterschool activities. ASAP is proud that our clubs and competitions are free for all youth, including transportation to weekday tournaments.
$500: Support an ASAP student for an entire year of programming!
$250: Provide free transportation for a club to participate in citywide competitions
$100: Train a caring adult to start a new club at their school or community center
$50: Equip a club of 12+ kids with supplies for one year