Playwright’s Workshop
Posted on May 5, 2011PLAYWRITING CURRICULUM
A.L.A. ‘s YOUNG ADULT PLAYWRIGHT’S WORKSHOP is an education based program that will answer the question: “how do I write a play?” Theatre is like magic and the playwright is the magician/ wizard/ dream maker.
OBJECTIVES: In an eight week session, (every Sunday for 1 hour, beginning Jan. 9, 2011) the participants will understand and explore the playwright’s responsibility which is to hold up a mirror to society; to be not just a reporter but also a story-teller, a philosopher who reacts to people, things and events around him/her; that the playwright should lead the audience to a logical conclusion, showing them how to get there. The beginning of the writer as “story teller” will emerge.
CONTENT: Serious as well as comedic themes will be considered for topics. Style will be determined as the students research the work of famous playwrights and understand “how” professionals wrote their plays. In discussions, the students will explore contemporary situations or circumstances, modern conveniences/appliances/technology which will contribute to their improvisational acting and collaborative writing. These activities will help the students fully develop characters who could conceivably be living in those circumstances. They will learn how to create honest monologues and dialogues which expose the character’s inner feelings or thoughts about their circumstances. Pantomime and movement will be explored to enable the writers to include appropriate stage directions for the characters.
The group will be divided into teams of two or three. Scenes will be written in the style of a particular, famous playwright by each team then read aloud for feedback from the entire group. A re-reading should include members from other groups playing the roles to experience the differences in “interpretation” that can be gleaned by using different actors.
CULMINATING ACTIVITY: a Showcase presentation opportunity will be scheduled for family and friends to attend, Feb. 27 at 7:30 PM at ANDREWS LIVING ARTS STUDIO featuring the original work of our young playwrights.
ENROLLMENT is limited to 20 students, 18+ years of age for more personal attention; acceptance to the program is by audition and interview; previous writing samples are encouraged. Call NOW to reserve your space for the WINTER TERM!
THE FACILITY is the newest black box performance space in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Seating capacity – 50.
THE DIRECTOR of this workshop, Robert D. Nation, is a former high school drama director and English teacher with many years of experience nurturing young talent. He holds significant credentials in directing and boasts a long list of former students who are working professionals on Broadway and in Hollywood. Watch his video on the “Meet the Staff” page of our website.
INCLUDED IN THE FEE: $250
- Eight 1-hour workshops will culminate in a showcase presentation open to the public
- Parents will be given two complimentary tickets to the showcase
- The use of our textbook: Playwriting for Theater, Film and Television by Laura Shamas
- A “talent assessment” conference offered to parents and students with program director at the conclusion of the session to discuss the student progress from start to finish of the program.
ORIGINAL WORKS: Andrews Living Arts Studio welcomes the submission of new plays for consideration in our production schedule. Adults with original work, new or previously performed, may contact the studio for submission information at 954-530-1879.
