Focusing on the transformative power of the creative arts process, this text offers readers a way of thinking about literacy development and the teaching of writing and out-of-school literacies. It describes and analyses the writing development of teenagers involved in a theatre project.

Focusing on the transformative power of the creative arts process, Christopher Worthman offers readers a new way of thinking about literacy development and, specifically, the teaching of writing. In this groundbreaking ethnography, he describes and analyzes the writing development of a group of teenagers involved in a unique community-based teen theater project. Rich with theoretical and practical insights, "Just Playing the Part":

-- Explores the critical relationship of language and writing to movement, voice development, and dramatic interaction.

-- Demonstrates how literacy use in a multimedia creative arts program influences the teenage participants' understanding of themselves and others.

-- Offers a successful program for all students, especially "at-risk" teens, based on the power of the creative arts to stimulate academic and personal development.

-- Contributes new research on out-of-school literacies.

-- Includes a script developed by the group and detailed descriptions of improvisational activities that can be adapted for use by other classes or ensembles.