NEW HAVEN, CT: Yale Repertory Theatre and Yale School of Drama announce the 11th annual Dwight-Edgewood Project (DEP).  Modeled after The 52nd Street Project’s Playmaking course, 12 local middle school students, paired with Yale School of Drama mentors, spend the month of June learning about theatre and writing original plays.   The program culminates in performances of the students’ work at New Haven’s Off-Broadway Theatre.
 
Twelve original 10 minute plays, written by the children and designed, produced and performed by Yale School of Drama students, will be presented over two evenings.   Performance dates are Friday, June 23rd and Saturday, June 24th at 7:00pm.   New Haven’s Off-Broadway Theatre is located at 41 Broadway.  Admission is free and open to the public.  Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
 
DEP 2006 will include 12 local students from Troup Magnet Academy Middle School, who were chosen by Principal Richard Kaliszewski based on their demonstrated writing skills: Takeishia Crenshaw (grade 7), Lamar Folnson (grade 6 ), Jebrell Hooks* (grade 8), Amanda John (grade 7), Oludare Joseph (grade 8), Olugbenga Joseph* (grade 6), Nyah Macklin* (grade 6), Tau Macklin (grade 7), Niajah Manley* (grade 8), Lisnette Rodriguez (grade 8), Cerise Wiley (grade 7), Inasia Woods (grade 7).
 
* Indicates students returning for their 2nd season.
 
The staff of Dwight-Edgewood Project 2006 includes Jeff Rogers (Managing Director), Stephanie Ybarra (Program Director), Snehal Desai (Director), Michael Walkup (Director), Zane Pihlstrom and Brenda Davis (Set/Costume Designers).  Mentors include Monica Achen, Nastaran Ahmadi, Amy Boratko, Michael Braun, Brian Burns, Erin Felgar, Jason Fitzgerald, Dorothy Fortenberry, Joseph Parks, Gamal Palmer, Bryce Pinkham, and Jamel Rodriguez.
 
Michael Bernard, former Artistic Associate Director of the 52nd Street Project, will teach the Playmaking course.