William Newkirk

This workshop teaches a highly successful method of writing a ten-minute play. Although the workshop is designed for first-time playwrights, many people have taken it several times. In Part 1, the instructors assist the participants in selecting play topics that are likely to be successful and producible. Once the participants have selected their story and characters, the instructors encourage and guide the participants as they complete their first drafts. Classes consist of reading the plays as they have been written so far with supportive class feedback. This is a nine-class course. Participants are expected to enroll in Parts 1, 2, and 3. Note: This course begins at 10:00 am.

The second part of this workshop consists of the participants re-writing their plays to refine the dialogue, conflict, and resolution. Plots are re-worked, characters redefined, and dialogue scrutinized. During Part 2, the instructors are closely involved in the play development, offering suggestions intended to produce a more successful play. This is a nine-class course. Participants are expected to enroll in Parts 1, 2, and 3. Note: This course begins at 10:00 am.

The third part of this workshop begins with polishing the plays for the final class, which is a staged reading for Lifelong members. The playwrights cast their plays, supervise final dress readings, and experience the excitement of seeing their original work being presented. Following the staged reading, the instructors provide concrete steps for the playwright to take to submit their play for professional production and publication. Plays written in this workshop have been performed throughout the United States, received important awards, and been published in international anthologies of the Best New Plays of the Year. But most of all, we will have had fun working as a group to create original works of drama. This is a nine-class course. Participants are expected to enroll in Parts 1, 2, and 3. Note: This course begins at 10:00 am.