The ASAP Drama showcase at Carnell Elementary last week featured a play by two of Philly’s most promising young writers—fifth grader Zaira and a fellow club member.
“This was my first time writing a play,” Zaira says. Working with the club leaders and site director—all professional performers in Philadelphia—Zaira co-wrote Middle School Disco, a play about a girl named Sara who navigates friend groups at a new school.
The experience taught her that she can “can express my feelings and improve myself, and also act it, even when I am the author,” she says.
When asked if she plans to write more plays in the future, Zaira gives a resounding “YES.”
“This club made me feel like I belong anywhere I go, even when I write books, stories, or poems.” 💗
When you support ASAP, you’re helping Philadelphia students:
🎤 Find their voice (Club leader Caitlin: “I’ve been teaching them what’s a melody, how do we sing, what is singing? And I really think that came through with their song from Annie, them being able to sing and project out without being scared of being wrong because they know what they’re doing now.”)
🤩 Gain confidence (“My favorite part of drama club this year is we get to act, and we get to play games that make us learn about acting and theatre, and we’re going to perform!”)
😊 Develop their passions (Club leader Caitlin: “If ASAP wasn’t here they wouldn’t have drama club. A lot of these kids throughout the months, they would come to us and be like, ‘Oh, I think this is what I want to do for my life!’ ”)
Help us raise $80,000 this spring to ensure more of our kids have access to fun, high-quality after school & summer programs that spark a passion, boost career readiness, and provide a safe community.