If you’ve got a kid who loves to write and act in his/her own stories, or you’re part of an organization (school, church, theater company) that could use some assistance exciting your younger members to take part in the creation and performance of their own dramatic ideas, there’s a great group of folks you should check out – The Striking Viking Story Pirates.
The Pirates adapt and perform stories written by kids as a way of celebrating the words and ideas of young people, to promote literacy as a vital part of early childhood education, and to preserve the spark of youthful creativity often lost in the transition to adulthood.
Founded in 2003, the Pirates’ programs have grown to reach tens of thousands of children each year. By focusing on the power of communication and self-expression, SVSP gives children the tools to become confident, literate students, and encourages kids to become more thoughtful and passionate writers and speakers — in and out of school.
The cornerstone of the company is the Play/Write Program, a series of creative writing and drama workshops that lead to a sketch comedy show acted by adults and comprised entirely of stories written by kids. Described as “Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock,” the award winning musical sketch comedy show performs each Saturday at 2pm at the Drama Book Shop in New York City.
The Pirates do birthday parties, seminars, school events and classes, and pretty much anything else that involves exciting kids about writing and acting.
Book ‘em (they operate in NYC and Los Angeles) and sail the high seas of kid-generated children’s theater!
Below’s a great clip of the Pirates at work.
Photo via The Striking Viking Story Pirates.
