Bush 3rd Graders’ Imagination Takes Center Stage Through CHQ Young Playwrights Project

Applause, cheers, and excitement filled the auditorium of Bush Elementary School as the special guests bowed.

“Did you enjoy that play?” asks Emily Olcott, one of four teaching artists visiting the school that day from Chautauqua Institution.

“YES!” the children replied in unison following the short performance.

“Well, great! Because we’re going to perform another play for you except… This one hasn’t been written yet!” Olcott responded to the students’ amazement. “In just a minute, I’m going to go into the audience and get creative ideas and suggestions from all of you! And using your ideas, we’re going to write a play right here and right now that has never been seen before! It’s going to be an epic collaboration — that means, we’re going to work together!”