Life As Art Productions

Flipping the Script: The Art of Writing Plays for Social Justice

How does a writer approach complex, multi-layered social justice issues without devolving into an opinion driven soapbox rant? In Flipping the Script: Writing Plays for Social Justice, participants learn effective ways to write about huge society shifting, world changing issues without getting lost in the enormity of the problems facing the writer and the world. Writer/producer, April C. Turner, provides practical story construction techniques and character and plot development strategies for creating a clear picture of the problems and possibilities present in the pursuit of justice. At the end of this four to six week workshop series, students can present readings of plays to the campus community. This workshop is an opportunity to use theater as a tool to create a collective conversation about important issues and practice telling our own stories.

This workshop is available virtually or in person as needed.

WritingPlays.LifeAsArtProd.AprilCTurner

AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE NOW
April C. Turner, instructor
An enlightening dance experience that explores the language of traditional West African dance. Students will learn dances for different social occasions and where applicable we highlight what individual movements symbolize. We examine ways that dance is used to build community and even document history. This workshop is a perfect complement to classroom studies on traditional Africa.
Different workshops available for college course study, cultural centers and K-12 communities.

This workshop is available virtually or in person as needed.

Contact: LifeAsArtProductions@gmail.com

CREATING CHANCES WITH DANCES, BUILDING DREAMS WITH SCENES

In this residency experience April C. Turner uses arts based tools designed to (1) build students’ conflict resolution skills, (2) address and examine community/group issues and (3) constructively communicate personal ideas.

Through Dance, Writing and Improv exercises students practice navigating difficult situations. Creating Chances helps students “prepare” to make positive choices and create a winning outcome they can embrace as genuinely possible.

This residency experience works well with students in alternative school environments or those who have academic and/or social challenges. Adaptable for grade levels 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

Contact: LifeAsArtProductions@gmail.com

TELL YOUR STORY —CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

The workshop is composed of a series of exercises designed to encourage imagination and introduce technique. Students explore ways to develop verbal and written communication skills. Adaptable for all age levels.

WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS

INSPIRING HARD TO REACH STUDENTS TO LEARN: 10 STEPS TO A NEW BEGINNING
A workshop byApril C. Turner

She’s sitting in the back ofthe room, slumped over a desk, waiting for the bell to ring. He refuses to answer any questions or participate in class activities because,“School is stupid.” How can these children be re‐engaged in the learning process without impeding other students or pushing teachers to the breaking point? In Inspiring Hard to Reach Students to Learn: 10 Steps to a
New Beginning, arts educational specialist, April C. Turner, shares tools and strategies collected and developed while conducting arts residencies in communities, primarily in school settings, where students are underperforming and demonstrating disruptive behaviors. This workshop is an opportunity for teachers, parents, community workers, artists and arts organizations to hear best practices that dramatically improved classroom dynamics and learn step by step how Turner uses the arts to shift the way hard to reach students feel about learning.

HOW TO INTENTIONALLY BUILD COMMUNITY USING THE CULTURAL ARTS

A workshop by April C. Turner

In this interactive workshop, participants explore how cultural arts programs create a sense of community, aid in team building and promote group goals. The Intentionally Build workshop exercises are applied in three different types of communities: campus communities (K-12 through college), neighborhoods and corporate work environments.

Can a drum program reduce crime in a neighborhood? Can a theatre project shift a middle school student’s focus? Can a traditional dance improve communication among co-workers? The answer is, “Yes!” three times.

During How to Intentionally Build Community Using the Cultural Arts, Turner facilitates exercises, shares case studies and outlines strategies for replicating this success in your community.

Contact: LifeAsArtProductions@gmail.com

April C. Turner
is an accomplished writer, actress and theatre producer. Among her produced writing credits are C.O.T.O.: Chocolate on the Outside, Reservations, Starlight and Moonshine Times, Pickle & Lil’Junior and Nikky’s Gone. Ms. Turner’s residencies, workshops and theatrical innovations have made her a favorite among community centers, schools and cultural organizations nationwide. She uses the arts to expose individuals and communities to new ideas while offering artistic methods for maximizing potential. Ms. Turner is an experienced facilitator specializing in using art as a tool for positive social change.
Turner has 20 years experience offering performances, workshops and residencies to communities throughout the United States.