Writing & Acting   

Over the course of the class, you will be introduced to the basic elements of acting.  Drawing from published plays, you will work on monologues, scenes, and improvisations, learning how to develop a character, understand subtext, explore improvisation, and practice basic acting exercises. The goal of this multifaceted class is to discover new things about yourself in a relaxed environment and have a seriously good time. No experience is necessary.

You think about writing, but every time you face the blank page, anxiety takes over, and you can't let yourself go. Maybe you have an idea for a novel, journal, or essay but feel confused and don't know how to start. This is the class for you! Each week, we will have lessons on craft, where you will learn basic techniques, like structuring your plot or creating a convincing dialogue. You will also learn how to better organize thoughts, call the muses, and acquire discipline to write regularly. The craft lessons are followed by a prompt where we apply the techniques and practice skills that will help you improve your writing and move forward with your project.

Learn the basics of TV and motion picture screenwriting through sharing original work with an intimate group and offering/receiving constructive feedback. The class begins with the screening of several short film clips and a discussion of what makes a scene work or not. Students will deepen their media literacy and analysis skills while workshopping their own ideas for feature scripts or TV pilots. After establishing the importance of setting, character, and conflict, the class will get to the really exciting stuff: three-act structure and professional screenplay formatting! Having crossed Joseph Campbell’s proverbial threshold, the class will workshop outlines and key scenes and return changed with the makings of a perfect script.