RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.


Class Description


Discover the magic of storytelling with this engaging introduction to playwriting! Storytelling is a powerful way to connect, inspire, and create meaningful change. This five-week Playwriting Class offers teens the opportunity to express themselves through the art of theater. By exploring creative writing—specifically playwriting—students can delve into their experiences, emotions, and identities, fostering greater self-awareness and confidence. 

The primary goal of this class is to empower young Muslims to develop their voices as writers and artists. Students will learn the fundamentals of playwriting, including how to create compelling characters, write engaging dialogue, build conflict, and structure scenes effectively. They will also explore the importance of revising and refining their work, equipping them with the skills needed to bring their ideas to life on stage. By the end of the class, students will have written and shared scenes from their original plays, gaining hands-on experience in both writing and public speaking. 

This course is perfect for teens interested in writing, theater, or simply discovering a new creative outlet. Students will learn to transform their ideas into captivating scripts, exchange constructive feedback with peers, and build the confidence to share their stories with the world. Through interactive activities and practical writing exercises, students will leave the class with scenes from their original plays and a deeper appreciation for the art of theater. This dynamic program promises to inspire creativity, self-expression, and a love for storytelling. 



Class Outline


Week 1: Discovering the Elements of a Play

This week introduces students to the basics of playwriting, including the structure of a play, how to develop dialogue, and the foundations of character creation. The class will also discuss how plays differ from other forms of writing, such as novels or short stories, focusing on the visual and performative nature of theater. Students will brainstorm ideas for their own short plays, outlining initial concepts to set the stage for the weeks ahead. 


Week 2: Creating Compelling Characters 

In the second session, students will dive into the art of creating dynamic and relatable characters. The class will explore techniques for developing character motivations and backstories and how these elements drive the story forward. Through writing exercises, students will create detailed character profiles and practice crafting authentic, meaningful dialogue. By the end of the week, students will have a strong foundation for their play’s key characters, bringing them closer to life on the page. 


Week 3: Building Engaging Dialogue and Conflict 

This week, students will learn how to write engaging and realistic dialogue that reveal realistic conversations, character traits, and emotions while keeping the audience engaged. They will also learn the importance of conflict in serving as the engine of the story, propelling it forward. For the activity, students will write a short scene focusing on dialogue and character interaction between their characters. 


Week 4: Structuring Your Play and Scene Development 

In this session, students will learn how to structure their plays, from dividing the story into acts and scenes to pacing the action effectively. The class will discuss techniques for building tension and crafting moments that captivate the audience. Students will begin developing a pivotal scene in their play, using their outlines and character work from previous weeks. By the end of the session, students will have a draft of a key moment in their story, laying the groundwork for their completed play. 


Week 5: Revising and Presenting Your Work 

The final week focuses on the essential techniques for revision and refining scripts. Students will learn and discuss the importance of feedback and how to give or receive constructive critiques. Students will also share a scene from their play to conclude the class, and celebrate each other's work, creativity, and progress.

Class Activity Materials

None

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Sundays 6:00 - 7:00 pm CST 

Session dates: January 12th - February 9th 

This class is for teen girls ages 12-17 years old 

*Please note: Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.

Certificate of Participation

A certificate of participation will be given to students who complete the class.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

Write the Stage: An Intro to Playwriting

Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)

Instructor

Anse Michelle Sekusky

Anse Michelle Sekusky, an Ohio native, embraced Islam in 2011. In 2013, she enrolled in the Ribaat Academic Institute, studying traditional Islamic education under the guidance of Anse Shaykha Dr. Tamara Gray. Within the Columbus, Ohio community, Anse Michelle served on the board of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center for four years and actively volunteered with local masjid committees. There, she also developed a support system for and worked closely with converts for eight years. As an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, Anse Michelle is known for writing, performing, and conducting workshops across the nation. Her foundation in the performing arts, cultivated during her time in middle and high school, was further enriched by touring during her college years. She is passionate about using music to connect women of all ages to their faith through nasheed and singing. Currently, she is a proud member of the Twin City Women’s Choir and serves on the board of Her Voice Productions. Anse Michelle is the Rabata Cultural Center Manager. She remains an enthusiastic student of the Ribaat Academic Institute and actively teaches for Rabata’s Dragonflies and RabaTEENS youth programs. She also contributes by supporting Rabata’s Convert Care program. In 2022, she obtained her ijaza (certification) in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi. Recently, Anse Michelle joined the speakers and board of the Islamic Resource Group (IRG), where she educates the wider community about Islam.