Grade 12 Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI) student, Thomas Murgatroyd, recently completed a cooperative (co-op) education placement with professional playwright, Altaire Gural.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the placement took place virtually throughout the first semester of the 2021-2022 school year, however, this did not stop Murgatroyd from learning all that he could through the experience. The pair worked on a film script, diving deep into scene after scene.
We spoke with Murgatroyd about his experience and here’s what he had to say.
Question: What did you like best about the co-op?
Answer: If I had to choose one aspect that I really did enjoy it would have to be the first time I sent the script to Gural because when I first sent it, I was very nervous, as it was the first time I had ever shared the script with someone other than my friends. Once we started tackling it, it was the best experience because I am going to go through that process my entire life – it is your first real step into a larger world.
Question: What are the most important skills you need to go into the playwriting field?
Answer: You need to have a good work ethic when completing a virtual placement like this, as for the most part you are working independently. You also need to show how creative you are and face that challenge of showing your work for the first time.
Question: What programs and courses would you encourage students to take in high school if they are interested in playwriting?
Answer: Grammatically and formatting wise I would say English, as well as communications technology, and media arts. Even though that course is more technical, it is still an opportunity to dive into other media formats and create films. In my first comm tech class I was shooting a short film with my friends and I knew right away, this is what I want to do with my life.
Question: What is one piece of advice you would give to current students interested in this field?
Answer: Great writers are great rewriters. No matter how insane you think your script sounds, or how bad you think the idea is, if it is something you are passionate about, pursue it! Don’t be afraid to ask people about opportunities. I would have never found out about this placement if I didn’t ask that question to my guidance counselor. This has been one of the greatest, creative experiences of my life.
Murgatroyd recently found out he got accepted into his dream program at Humber College. Upon graduation in June, Murgatroyd will be attending the Film and Television Production Advanced Diploma Program in September.
Congratulations Murgatroyd! TLDSB wishes you all the best!
