PROFILES IN MENTORING

Andrew Boyle

Occupation: Actor
Years with YSF: Two
Most recent school: Cheremoya Ave. Elementary
Favorite Movie(s): Being There, Philadelphia Story, West Side Story, Kramer vs. Kramer
Favorite Book (or book recommendation): 100 Years of Solitude, How I Became a Pirate
Name of your favorite teacher growing up: Nan Roddy, English Teacher
Why do you mentor?: To participate in my community, to be involved with children and their imaginations, to be available to another as others have been available to me.
What was the last script you mentored? What was it about?: Currently working with Screenwriter Extraodinaire Maggie B. at Cheremoya. She tells the story of Lucia's birthday party and what happens when you invite your mean cousins. (LESSON: don't invite your mean cousins.)
Is there a moment that stands out to you in your experience as a mentor?: It's the moments that keep occurring every time their eyes light up and the words come tumbling out of their mouths as to how the story will unfold. It's. Just. So. Cool.
What would you tell others about YSF?: I think in its most unique way it is a gift that is so cleverly disguised as huge amounts of fun. You get to go in a play and so much comes out of the whole experience. That and your skills at "Kitty Wants a Corner" become greatly mastered.
How does YSF affect you, and how do you think it affects other mentors?: I think it's so easy to forget. And being with the kids allows me to remember, and then carry that forward into my day. As for the other mentors, I don't know how it YSF affects them, but I SEE the expressions of joy and the SOUNDS of laughter coming from them, and I can only gather that they are being affected in a very real, human way.
Mentoring advice or trick of the trade: Do your best to give them as much space, permission, and encouragement, in that time you have with the kids, to let them be the most magnificent writers that have ever been.

PROFILES IN MENTORING

Andrew Boyle

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