Local filmmaker, writer and educator Claire Ayoub is helping young storytellers discover their voices through her new Try Anyway Creative Workshops, a summer program that blends creative writing, screenwriting and directing into an encouraging, hands-on experience for students in grades 4 through 7.
Unlike traditional writing classes, Ayoub’s workshops focus less on grades and perfection and more on creativity, confidence and collaboration, she said.
Claire Ayoub teaching at a writing workshop. Photo courtesy of Try Anyway Creative Writing Camps
“I love creating a space for kids to just show up and not have to worry about grades or doing things right,” Ayoub said. “It’s about exploring themselves creatively.”
The workshops grew out of creative writing classes Ayoub began teaching in New Canaan this spring. After a successful first season, she expanded the program into three themed summer camps: screenwriting, directing and creative writing.
“These are basically the classes I wish I had,” she said. “I never tell kids how to create. It’s giving them the tools to create what they see in their heads and their hearts.”
Each 90-minute class combines writing prompts, group discussions and opportunities for students to share their work with classmates. Ayoub believes presenting unfinished work helps children build confidence while learning that creativity doesn’t have to be perfect.
“Sharing work as a creative is always scary,” she said. “I encourage them early that it’s normal to feel afraid, but we try anyway.”
The workshops also emphasize collaboration over competition.
“Writing is often seen as this solitary activity,” Ayoub said. “In my experience, my writing is better when I’m part of a community. Writing never has to feel like a competition. Expressing yourself is the goal.”
The program serves students entering grades 4 through 7 and is intentionally kept small, with class sizes of about 10 to 12 students so everyone has multiple opportunities to share their work and receive feedback.
“I’ve actually had a lot of kids come back every time I teach my screenwriting class,” she said. “A lot of the feedback I’ve gotten is that they love writing, but they rarely write outside of our classes. Creating a space they look forward to every week has been really rewarding.”
The camps are held in person at the New Canaan Racquet Club rather than online. While Ayoub offers virtual classes for adults, she believes younger students benefit from learning together away from screens.
Throughout the week, students explore storytelling from multiple angles. Screenwriting classes introduce script formatting and story structure, directing sessions teach filmmaking concepts such as working with actors, costumes and music, while creative writing classes use prompts inspired by movies, music and everyday experiences. The workshops also include interactive activities, including acting out scenes students have written.
“I never go in saying, ‘Take my class if you want to be a professional artist,’ ” Ayoub said. “It’s, ‘Do you want to learn how to do something really cool? Let’s build these skills together and play.’ “
The name “Try Anyway” comes from Ayoub’s production company and personal philosophy.
“It’s my mantra,” she said. “For that part of my brain that tells me I wasn’t ready or wasn’t good enough, I say, ‘I hear you. I’m going to try anyway and see what happens.'”
She hopes that lesson extends beyond writing.
“You don’t need permission to create,” Ayoub said. “Whether these kids become artists, entrepreneurs or leaders, I want them to know they can take that first step.”
Parents interested in registering their children can sign up through Ayoub’s website.