This semester, Johnston Middle School theatre students participated in Playwriting 360^o, a residency with the Alley Theatre that introduces students to dramatic writing as a creative outlet. This year, J.M.S. was the only participating middle school in the program, which includes five Houston area high schools. Over the course of five workshops under the guidance of an Alley Teaching Artist, students learned about dramatic structure, and all of them eventually wrote their very own 10-minute plays. As a class, the young playwrights learned how plays are developed and improved through workshops and how dramaturgs, directors and actors influence the growth of a play.

On May 8 at 10:30 am, the Alley Theatre will host a morning of readings featuring one play from each of the schools hosting Playwriting 360^o residencies this year. Christian Cortes, a JMS 7th grader, was the selected playwright from JMS and the only middle school student participating in the reading series. His original play, Shadows in the Mist, will be read at the Alley Theatre on May 8th.

On May 8 at 10:30 am, the Alley Theatre will host a morning of readings featuring one play from each of the schools hosting Playwriting 360^o residencies this year. Christian Cortes, a JMS 7th grader, was the selected playwright from JMS and the only middle school student participating in the reading series. His original play, Shadows in the Mist, will be read at the Alley Theatre on May 8th.