Trojans search for their inner Shakespeare

“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

CVHS students searched for their inner Shakespeare while attending two playwriting workshops held by the acclaimed Berkeley Repertory Theater after school on May 10 and May 17.

The free seminars were hosted by the CVHS Writers Club and taught by a theater representative. Many students enjoyed the classes and thought they were a worthwhile experience.

“The workshops met my expectations quite well. It was very fun,” said Kate Jorgensen, vice president of the Writers Club.

Those who attended the workshops learned the basics of character building, conflict, dialogue and other dramatic elements, and how to apply it in their own writing. Students then were able to practice using these components and exchange thoughts by writing parts of their own play and performing them in front of the class.

Participants found the classes to be very entertaining and a positive way to brainstorm and jumpstart new ideas.

“There were guidelines but there was a lot of room to work with,” said attendant Aimee Ledbetter. “It wasn’t too restricting.”

The Writers Club was able to put on the event after receiving a $500 grant from the Castro Valley Education Foundation. The workshops attracted almost 15 participants in total.

Many members in the club were surprised at the level of student enthusiasm.

“A lot of people were interested in it,” said Jorgensen. “A lot of people came who aren’t even in the Writer’s Club.”

Although this was the first series of playwriting workshops to occur at CVHS, participants guarantee it won’t be the last.

“It was a great success,” said Jorgensen. “I would definitely do this again.