Play In A Day
Do you have a story lurking at the back of your mind? A monologue on the tip of your tongue? A character or two wandering at the periphery of your vision? An issue you want to explore? It’s time to write a short film or a play! Got a free afternoon?
In this bootcamp for all levels and genres of writer , students will receive a basket filled with screenwriting and playwriting tools: character development, dialogue, voice and dialects, story arc, and other essentials for a piece of dramatic writing. Each student will be guided to the completion of a 10 minutes play or screenplay.
Each student will finish the day with a monologue, a ten minute play or a dramatic outline. As an actor-writer I have developed many monologues and short plays for stage and screen. I have also written stand-alone monologues for myself and other actors for use in audition and performance.
I am passionate about helping writers to move forward in their process and have taught workshops in a variety of countries, and institutions. I love to encourage writers to discover their own writing revolutions: both inner self and outer shifts in perception. I started out my working life as an actor, so whether working as a write for stage or screen I write and teach writing from the inside: embodying story and character with passion and joy. I work to inspire my students towards the freedom of strong and clear expression. We will explore Character Development: Vocal and physical character touchstones, and ask questions such as: She Reach, Push or Pull? Is He an introvert or an extravert? It will be a fun and productive day of writing and reading in a supportive and nurturing environment. We will ask questions like: how do characters change each other? How do characters learn and develop throughout the story? How is a story shown rather than told? do our plays and screenplays tell stories that effect, entertain, and inspire our audiences and readers? Students are welcome to bring in a new ideas, or simply an interest in exploring these genres.
The Steps
Introduction: making the room safe and the environment juicy.
Character ideas through guided meditation
Character Biography (handouts supplied)
The Voice and physical life of the character through specific exercises and image work – finding specific qualities and impediments
Character Chart (A diagram of relationships with other characters)
The Story in 5 points from this Character’s perspective: Stasis, Happening, Crisis, Climax, Resolution
An Emotional Map: The Character’s emotional journey through the five point story
The monologue: Choose one point on the emotional map, write in the characters voice, directed towards another character, the audience, or the character him/herself. The writing will be timed.
Reading, Rewrites and Final Performance (the Writer can choose to read his/her own work or have someone else in the class “perform it”
We culminate with feedback- suggestions for future work, applause and celebration
It will be a fun and productive day of writing and reading in a supportive and nurturing environment.
To learn more, contact Dr. Jessica Litwak using the form below.