PGC Conference

Mind the Gap - Building a Bridge for Young Audiences
May 10-13, 2007
University of Calgary

There's a large market for TYA which few of us are tapping. That was one message that came across loud and clear at this conference in Calgary. Everyone walked away itching to write.

Dennis Foon gave a thoughtful and fun keynote address where he discussed how he began writing for young audiences and some of the bold decisions he made. Can't write a play about serious issues such as divorce or abuse? Think again. Kids want the serious questions; they ask them themselves.

Conference sessions dealt with questions that led to thoughtful discussions:

• Focus on story. Kids don't have memories that will allow them to connect to a story in the same way as adults. Thus, action means more for them. But writing action (emotional action) creates great theatre for any age.
• DON'T start with an issue. The issue is how companies sell the play to schools. The best plays start with personal experience; some way that you've been touched.
• DO write a beat sheet before writing. Focus on the verbs, as they contain the emotional action. If you find yourself in possessions of a mess of a play, go back to the beat sheet and look at the actions.
  
• "If you want to change the world, start with the children."
  

David S. Craig gave the ending address. He pointed out that there is more of a market for Young Audiences than there are companies to service it.

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Dennis Foon was quite honoured and touched to receive a lifetime membership. As he waved and left the conference he made the point that there has probably never been a conference on Theatre for Young Audiences. He thought the Guild should be proud of itself for doing so.

NEXT CONFERENCES
Next year: Toronto. Working theme: Canadian Theatre Past / Present / Future.
2009: Vancouver. Possible theme: Canadians on the International Stage.