Your book, The Everyday Living of Children & Monologues, seems to be a good resource for any young performers wanting to get into the entertainment industry. Why do you feel this book was important to bring forth? This book was important to bring forth because a need for a "Kids Based" acting guide was needed. In addition a guide was also needed to show kids what body movements to make. This book provides directives for body movements as well.
With an extensive background in the arts, how did you come to writing, or did you always write while acting in theatrical performances? This book needed to be brought to life because now more than ever the youth need a book that provide in-sights on what kids face in the inner city on a daily basis. I felt that kids would have an opportunity to see behind the eyes of another child.
With your book being published, what was the reaction from your peers and young performers alike? I have gotten some good responses and bad responses. Unfortunately people who are unaware of a urban school setting simply just cant relate. On the other hand, Reader Views of Texas stated that my guide should be on the desk of every teacher today. I was very proud of that. In addition, it brought tears to my eyes when a parent said thank you Ms. Young for telling "Our Story."
I commend you for taking your teaching strategies, tips, and learning abilities beyond the stage, and helping the youth. Where does this passion for assisting the youth come from? My passion comes directly from the students that sit in front of me everyday. Without my students, this book could have not ever came into existence.
Why do you feel it's important to empower them with this very important knowledge? Kids need to know that someone out here in this cruel world understands what there going through. Although I cannot agree with some of the choices they decide to make, I do understand why they feel they may be force to make so difficult decisions. Kids have it so hard. I feel sorry for a lot of them. A lot of them today don't get the opportunity to simply be just kids. To many adult responsibilities are being places upon them entirely too soon.
I like how you provide valueable knowledge with empowering the parents of young performers within your book. Why do you feel its important for parents to have different strategies with communicating with young singers, actors and actresses? In my opinion, "The Arts" since the beginning of times have served as ways for the youth to express their inner feelings. Whether dance, singing, or acting, these strategies can all work as great ways for kids and parents to communicate. I also conduct a workshop titled, How to Utilize Acting as a Healing Component for the Youth." This workshop allows individuals to read/dramatize acts to help the youth with solving their problems. I know as an adult myself how work and survival can sometimes overwhelm one with unintentionally overlooking to communicate with their kids. I have had parents read the book and tell me how they could relate directly to the act in the book. In other words they faced the same issue as a child.
Tell me about the impact of your program ARDANNYL. What does it stand for? How has this program affected the community as a whole? Ardannyl is simply my first and middle name spelled backwards. My name is Adra Lynn. I got this idea from Oprah. LOL This program has in my opinion through the utilization of acting assist kids not only with acting but fear factors as well. I had a student who took the class just to overcome his stuttering.
Please tell our readers if there are any youth showcases, book signings, or other events that you will be highlighted. If you would like to book me for a workshop, log on to www.schoolbookings.com. Just simply type in my name. I may also be reaches at 313-729-2573. On February 10, 2007 at 11:00 am. I shall conduct a guest speakers appearance and workshop at Macomb Public Library in Clinton Township, Michigan. You may also contact me at www.ardannyl.com or, www.myspace.com/ardannyl.
Title : The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues
ISBN: 1-41205949-6
Author: Adra Young
The Acting/Social Skills Guide of the Decade for the youth ranging from ages 7thru12 and ages 12 thru 18
Things to consider as you read the excerpts.
When reading this guide it is imperative to implement the directive enclosed within the parenthesis. Please try to implement the directives while reciting the monologues at the same time. These are the actions that make the acts appear real.
A young lady expresses how it feels to end a relationship minutes before a date.
“HOW COME I’M BEING DUMPED?”
Friday after school, my boyfriend told me he’d pick me up from my place at six. We were going to the show. I re-curled my hair. I put on my favorite outfit. I even added a hint of lipstick and sprayed on a little of Mom’s perfume. While Spraying Mom’s perfume, the phone rang at 5:55. It was my guy. Surprisingly, he wasn’t calling to let me know that he was running late. He wasn’t calling to tell me that his mom’s car had broken down either. Individual shakes her head no.) When he said it was over, it felt as if my heart had been pulled from the inside of my chest and thrown to the ground. (Individual balls her fist up and imitates throwing her heart toward the ground.) I told him to have a nice life and quickly hung the phone up!
After a whole year of dating he’s not interested in me anymore. How could he waste my time? What’s his problem? Exactly what went wrong? I thought he liked me so much. Apparently not true! Because if he really cared about me he would have not
dumped me! States in a disappointed manner.) I bet I’m the only girl in the world to ever get dismissed by a guy on a Friday night.
Having a personal experience with acne this little lady catches a whiff of the “Stay Home Blues.”
“THE CASE OF THE DOTS”
I’m never leaving this house again! Everything was great until this year. Now that I’m twelve, my clothes are too little. (Individual grabs jeans by the waist indicating they’re too tight.) Looks like my hair has even stopped growing. Just last month mom and dad told me that I have to get braces. I thought that was the worse! Until two weeks ago.
Two weeks ago two bumps appeared on my fore-head. The day after that, three popped up on my jaw. By the end of the week my entire face was covered with pimples.(Individual points her hand at her face and moves it in circular motion.) They are so ugly! And now I am so ugly. (States depressingly.)
Mom and dad told me they would go away real soon. Well, how come real soon
can’t be right now? I hate looking at myself in the mirror. I can’t even see my own face due to acne. Well, I tell you, I just refuse to leave this house. And until these dot’s clear up on my face. I’m gonna remain right here! Right here at home!
About the Author
Adra Young is a native of Gary, Indiana. A teacher of eleven years, she’s also an Actress, Writer, and Actors Coach for youngsters. Graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1990 and, Central State University in 1995, she took her first shot at acting on the college campus in 1993.
Earning her Master’s degree in 1999 from the University of Detroit Mercy, she currently instructs Acting and Dramatization Strategies to the youth. In 2004, she took her first shoot at becoming a Play Wright and produced On the Scene Representing the Red Black and Green, a tribute to the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey.
Some of Ms. Young most recent independent work in 2006 involves her direct involvement in the theater production of the play titled Sweets, and her film involvement with the movie titled Amsteroids in Ann Arbor Michigan.
About The Book
Her book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues, is a realistic testament of situations that children, teens, males, or females of all ethnical backgrounds are faced with on the daily basis of their lives directly or indirectly. www.trafford.com/05-0850
The book is a performance arts guide for children and teens striving to become Superior Actors. It contains 51 real life acts of children and teens to implement for improvement of performing arts. Parents may utilize this book to address sensitive subject areas and establish stronger communication bonds with their kids.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. We wish you success in all your future endeavors.
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