Vincent Massey student wins special recognition from the Manitoba Association of Playwrights

Pembina Trails would like to congratulate Vincent Massey student and playwright William Green.

Each year the Manitoba Association of Playwrights invite high school students to submit short plays for the High School Playwriting Program, now in its 23rd year. A panel of theatre professionals select the successful applicants and William’s play – “It Was Paradise” – was selected.

Last February, one of Vincent Massey’s Grade 12 students - William Green- was awarded a very exciting opportunity. He submitted a play that he wrote and was selected to be one of only four winning students from across the Province. This is a prestigious award indeed.  Last year in class, I told my students about this, and William knew he wanted to tell the story of his Grandmother leaving the Reserve and moving to the city.  And so, during the summer of 2022, he went and stayed with his Grandmother, asked her question after question and listened to her tell her own story. And then he began to write.  And then, submitted his play.

The playwrights work with professional dramaturgs (a playwright’s best friend and help mate) to help develop their play further, in a safe and supportive environment, through rewrites and workshops with actors. The program culminates in public readings.  This year, the Manitoba Theatre for Young People Theatre School will be the producing partners for the workshop and final share!  

This is an excellent opportunity to experience a professionally guided play development process, to work with young actors-in-training (the selected playwrights' peers and future collaborators), and ultimately, the play will be performed before an audience of friends, family, and invited theatre professionals.

Congratulations William!