Fall 2008 Workshops at Writers & Books

Stage & Screen

Acting 102 for Playwrights

FA9-D01
8 Thursdays, 7–9 p.m.
Oct. 3 through Nov. 20
$175 W&B members/ $180 general public
Instructor: Michael H. Arve

Many playwrights are as mystified by the art of acting as actors are by the art of play writing. In 8 weekly sessions we will explore the basics of acting, the process of developing a character on stage and how to be true to the character as written on the page. We will also discuss the challenges actors and directors have in performing and mounting a play. The class will culminate in a public performance of original plays by writers in the class in the Performance Space, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m.

Through the generous donation of a W&B supporter, seven scholarships are available for the class Acting 102 for Playwrights each worth $175. This popular class, taught by Michael Arve, "explores the basics of acting, the process of developing a character on stage and how to be true to the character as written on the page."

To be eligible for the scholarship, an applicant must be a member of W&B and have submitted at least one work to any W&B playwriting competition, including 2 Pages/2 Voices and The Regional Playwrights Festival. The scholarships will be awarded on a first come/first served basis, so please act quickly. You must apply by phone, at 585-473-2590, or in person.

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From Page to Stage

FA9-D02
6 Tuesdays 7–9 p.m.
Oct. 14 through Nov. 25 (No class, Nov. 4)
$110 W&B members / $120 general public
Instructor: Michael Arve

Some of the finest plays and films were adapted from other sources and texts, each becoming a new work of art in its own right. In this class you will learn how to adapt a novel or short story for performance on stage. Michael Arve recently adapted (with Ed Scutt) Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the Peoplefor the contemporary stage. The class will culminate with a public performance of adapted plays in the Performance Space

Course Canceled

Collaborative Comedy Writing

FA9-D03
4 Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m.
Oct. 14 through Nov. 4
$87 W&B members / $93 general public
Instructor: Carol Roberts

This class is for people who would like to write comedy collaboratively, roundtable style. The class will produce weekly Carson-Leno-Letterman type monologs (as well as some sketches and skits) inspired by headlines and popular culture. Material will be developed and performed that evening. Students are free to write material at home to be expanded upon by the class or come in ready to write! No experience necessary. All welcome.

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Stand-up Comedy Workshop

FA9-D04
5 Wednesdays, 7–8:30 p.m.
Sept. 10 through Oct. 8
$99 W&B members / $104general public
Instructor: Carol Roberts

Stand-up comedy is the art of writing jokes blended with the art of performing them. In this 6-week supportive experiential workshop the students will learn the basics of comedy writing and performing. Students will develop original material outside of class and perform each week for one another in a supportive atmosphere. Some in-class writing and exercises will take place. Material covered will include: types of humor, style, attitude, segues, A&B material, ad lib, microphone usage, juxtaposition joke writing, progressive comedy. The class will culminate with a show the final day of class. No experience necessary, beginners and pros welcome. Warning: class can get pretty jovial. “Depends” available onsite at nominal cost. Instructor is a former standup comic who has performed with Ellen DeGeneres, Robin Williams, and Paula Poundstone.

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Scene Study: Chunking It Down, Brick by Brick

FA9-D05
1 Saturday, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Sept. 20
$45 W&B members / $52 general public
Instructor: Paula Marchese

What is a beat? What is a scene? How does a scene fit into an act of a full-length play? What tools can the writer use to create tension, comedy, drama and seamless storytelling within a single scene? This one-day workshop will focus on dramatic structure, objectives, opposing points of view and the use of action to construct dynamic, compelling and stage-worthy building blocks. We’ll examine scenes from the masters, discuss concepts and write our own material.

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Enter Stage Write: The Basics of Playwriting

FA9-D06
7 Wednesdays 7–9 p.m.
Oct. 1 through Nov. 12
$142 W&B members / $149 general public
Instructor: Paula Marchese

This course is for people who love to watch, read, and write plays. The instructor will discuss what makes a good story, how to create intriguing characters and lasting images, and how to make use of technical elements such as stage space, sound, and lights. This workshop is meant to inspire,encourage, and inform both beginning and more experienced playwrights eager to learn and improve. The instructor will concentrate on writing, class discussion, and feedback. This class will be followed by a special reading by class members, Wednesday,Nov .19,7 p.m. in the Performance Space. An Intermediate class will be scheduled for the winter term.

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