March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 27, May 4

Sundays from 1:00pm – 3:00pm ET

via Zoom

NEW STUDENT RATE: $460

RETURNING STUDENT RATE: $400

Screenwriting is a specialized craft with its own set of dramatic writing principles. In this 7-week class with screenwriter and playwright Daniel Talbott, you will learn the ways that film allows writers to tell stories in an infinite range of styles, from special effects-charged blockbusters to the intimate indie projects.

This class might be for you if you:

• Are a playwright who wants the tools to transition from stage to screen.
• Need a stronger grasp of the components of this form and want to start writing.

In this class you will:

• Discuss the elements of a film script, particularly focusing on structure, form, and language.
• Apply the concepts of character development, visual storytelling, theme, plot, and dialogue to your own original work.
• Develop and discuss new stories as well as screenplays-in-progress, with assignments and feedback tailored to the needs of your projects.
• Explore techniques for maintaining that inspiration as you work through the challenges of this form.

By the end of this class you will have:

• A broad understanding of the components of screenwriting.
• A new short original screenplay and a strong foundation to begin work on a partial first draft of your film project.

Learn more about Daniel here.

March 17, 24, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, June 2

Mondays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm ET

via Zoom

NEW STUDENT RATE: $560

RETURNING STUDENT RATE: $540

For the playwright, dialogue is one of the key ways to fully express character, relationships, and the world of the play. Through a series of dialogue exercises led by playwright Matthew Paul Olmos, you’ll hone your skills of dialogue writing in order to engage your audiences in a more meaningful way.

This class might be for you if you:

• Are a playwright of any level looking to deepen your work and enhance your dialogue skills.
• Want to stay committed to your writing without the pressure of having to write or work toward a draft of a play.
• Want concrete deadlines and constructive feedback specific to your dialogue skills.

In this class you will:

• Complete exercises and assignments to explore the tools of dialogue, specifically addressing characterization, exposition, over-writing, rhythm, and subtext.
• Study dialogue in other plays as sources of inspiration.
• Engage in discussion with fellow writers, making connections with your artistic peers.

By the end of this class you will have:

• The tools to create engaging, fully-formed dialogue that will compel audiences to lean into your work, as opposed to passively listening.
• A strong understanding of dialogue and be ready to apply it to your next play or draft.

Learn more about Matthew here.

Weekend 1: Curing The Block - Stretching Your Creative Muscles

Weekend 2: Building Blocks - Writing Your First Draft

Two-weekend workshop
March 21-23 and 28-30 

Fridays from 6:30pm – 9:00pm ET
Saturdays from 11:00am – 6:00pm ET
Sundays from 12:00pm – 6:00pm ET 

via Zoom

NEW STUDENT RATE: $440

RETURNING STUDENT RATE: $420

Whether you’re battling writer’s block, intimidated by the blank page, or are just too overwhelmed to make time for yourself to write, this bootcamp is designed to give you the jolt of inspiration you need to get your ideas on the page. Over the course of two weekends, playwright, director, and dramaturg Mêlisa Annis will lead you through a generative writing process to complete a messy first draft of a play. 

Whether you’re battling writer’s block, intimidated by the blank page, or are just too overwhelmed to make time for yourself to write, this bootcamp is designed to give you the jolt of inspiration you need to get your ideas on the page. Over the course of two weekends, playwright, director, and dramaturg Mêlisa Annis will lead you through a generative writing process to complete a messy first draft of a play. 

This workshop might be for you if you:

• Are a playwright with a seed of an idea that you'd like to explore in a fun, focused, and intensive environment.
• Need a jumpstart to get creative ideas out of your head and onto the page.

In this workshop:

• The first weekend is about inspiration. Use writing exercises and in-class discussion to bypass your critical mind, generate material without judgement, and kick off your first draft. 
• Take the time between the two weekends to process, dream, research, and focus on an idea, character, or world. 
• Fueled by your first weekend, use the second weekend to write and share, focus your ideas, and expand your writing into a messy first draft.

By the end of class you will have: 

• A solid start on—or even complete!—messy first draft of your next play.
• Notes, feedback, and next steps to continue your play outside of the bootcamp setting. 
• New writing exercises if you ever find yourself stuck and need some inspiration.

Learn more about Mêlisa here.