Winter 2007 Workshops at Writers & Books

Stage & Screen

Writing for the Stage: Playwriting Basics

• WA7-D01
• 6 Wednesdays , 7 - 9 p.m.
• February 28 - April 4
• $119 W&B members / $125 general public / limit 12
• Instructor: Monica Gebell

This course is for people who love to watch, read, and write plays. The instructor will talk about what makes a good story, how to create intriguing characters, lasting images, and how to make use of technical elements such as stage space, sound, and lights. This is an intensive 6-week study meant to inspire, encourage, and inform both beginning and more experienced playwrights eager to learn and improve. The workshop will culminate in a night of staged readings in the Verb Cafe. The instructor will provide a list of readings.

How to register

From Books to the Big Screen

• WA7-D02
• 6 Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
• January 16 through February 29
• $119 W&B members / $125 general public / Limit 12
• Instructor: Martin Napersteck

When the written word is transformed into a movie, the story is somehow changed. This course will examine six films based on novels or short stories. Among topics discussed will be: Is it true that the book is almost always better than the film? Even if the film stays close to the book, is the story still changed by being seen rather than read? Why did they change your favorite scenes? Films will include: High Noon (based on "The Tin Star") The Maltese Falcon (1941). The Scarlet Letter (1934); A Farewell to Arms (1932), and The 9:13 based on Naparsteck’s story, "The 9:13." Students may sign up for the full course or individual film sessions.

How to register

Writing the Short Play

• WA7-D03
• One Saturday , 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• January 20
• $45 W&B members / $49 general public / Limit 12
• Instructor: Joseph Sorrentino

Ten-minute plays are becoming more popular at theaters and festivals around the country. This workshop will give participants an opportunity to polish up one short play. The first part of the class will be a discussion of what constitutes a ten-minute play—it’s something more than a skit. In spite of the time constraints of a short play, there is still time to develop story, character, and thematic significance. Participants will need to come to the class with a draft of one play, knowing that it will be read aloud, discussed, and critiqued with an eye to rewriting. Information about short play festivals will be provided.

How to register

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