Linford fifth-graders showcase Playwright residency; organizers seek expansion across district

At a work session of the Albany County School District #1 Board of Trustees, fifth‑grade students from Linford Elementary demonstrated exercises and described scenes from a 22‑week Playwright residency run by the nonprofit Relative Theatrics.

Playwright sessions at Linford include warmups, tongue twisters, short scene‑writing and a final showcase and publication of each student’s work, officials said. The program currently serves Linford, Slate Elementary and Rock River School, and organizers told trustees they hope to expand to additional district schools in coming years.

Will Bowling, education director for Relative Theatrics, described Playwright as an arts‑integration literacy program that combines creative writing instruction with theater skills. “We’re teaching fundamental skills, we’re trying to deepen the…