Mentor Artists Playwrights Project (MAPP):
Each student writes a two character, one act play which is then read in performance readings by professional actors.
A group of young people, each paired with a mentor actor or writer, participate in a progressive series of intensive playwriting workshops. With a core emphasis on the importance of the young person’s dreams and aspirations, Kellogg’s method introduces fundamental playwriting tools that explore the use of metaphor, the creation of characters through sensory and emotional work, monologue, dramatic storytelling, and theme. The young people are taught to examine the dynamics of conflict, and write plays where crisis, urgency, and possible consequences are explored. The process culminates in public staged presentations of the young writers’ original plays read by professional actors.
The Kessler Keener Foundation contributes to MAPP by providing funding, gathering mentors and professional actors.