Creative Theater for and by Kids

Director’s Message

To say that this year has been a difficult one for Young Actors Workshop would be a huge understatement.  The passing of our Founder/Teacher/Friend, Auri Naggar has left a big hole in all of our hearts but it has also made us realize just how much he gave to us.  Auri believed in the children of YAW to be brave, creative and respectful.  Over the past three months, these kids have proven him right in the most remarkable ways, taking their story in direction that Auri and I never would have imagined.  

Our Young Actors have used their creative abilities to pay tribute to their teacher and friend.  You may notice many references to Auri throughout the play, some are subtle; some are not so subtle.  The most obvious example is the name of Auri’s Restaurant.  In the story, that restaurant gets shut down and ceases to exist, but a new restaurant is born from the ashes and all the good things about Auri’s Restuaurant live on.  And that is the story of YAW.  All of Auri’s ideas and teaching will continue and YAW will continue to be a place where young people can express their ideas and thoughts in a fun and creative manner.  

In the words of Auri:

“I believe that the thoughts and ideas that each person has, including the young and the very young, are unique and have value.  I know it is not always easy to find an environment in which one’s thoughts and ideas can be expressed, appreciated, and actualized in a meaningful way.  In our program we teach and develop performing skills, but the great lesson that our students learn is this:  Your own thoughts and ideas are valuable and worthy of respect.”

I will always be grateful to Auri for all the gifts that he left to us, and I will never forget the beautiful and creative ways in which the children of YAW have paid their respects to him.

FOOD FIGHT, the 18^th student-created play by the Coastside Young Actors Workshop is dedicated to our friend, Auri Naggar.

            Kevin North

            Director