BEGINNING WRITER’S WORKSHOP
with Actor Therapy co-founder and award-winning writer Ryan Scott Oliver
Lin-Manuel Miranda. Shaina Taub. Alex Brightman. Hunter Foster. Kate Wetherhead. What do they all have in common?
They were actors and writers.
A terrific way to advance your artistic career is to write songs, a play, musical, screenplay, or pilot. You might create a piece for you to star in, or you might just write without intending to put yourself in it to establish yourself as an actor and a writer.
It’s tempting to believe that artists sit down at their desk or with their guitar, and genius just flows through them through words and music and raw talent, but an actor understands the time it takes during and outside of rehearsal to get their performance ready for opening night. Just like that, a writer prepares for the planning, research, and development in the many days and weeks the creative process can demand.
If you’ve decided to write songs or a a piece for stage or film, you don’t need to go back to school to learn the art form—start with us.
The class
No experience is needed—only a strong interest in the art of writing.
Over six hour-long classes, you’ll be taught by AT co-founder and Kleban, Larson, and Rodgers-award winning writer Ryan Scott Oliver (RSO, to you!). Alternating lecture and presentation weeks, you’ll learn the basics of writing (and rewriting) a scene, a song, and then a scene and song together.
· You’ll write independently, and can also work with collaborators in the class.
· You can work on your OWN projects you have simmering, or respond to a prompt.
· When you write your work, you’ll send before class for RSO to respond to, and get feedback and discussion in class.
· Every student will walk away with a scene, song, and an additional scene and song (a micro-musical!).
Students may advance after a few sessions into RSO’s Advanced Writing Workshop when they’re ready. Advanced Writers’ work is considered to be part of Actor Therapy’s New Works initiative, offering fully-funded readings and work sessions throughout the year.
This ONLINE class will meet on WEDNESDAYS from 6:00-7:00PM, beginning on October 30, 2024. The class dates will be October 30, November 6, November 13, November 20, December 4, and December 11. (There will be no class on November 27, due to Thanksgiving .)
Classes will be held via Zoom.
Tuition
Fee for the six week class is $399, paid in full by PayPal. Apply below!
Note: Once you’ve enrolled, please fill out the Diagnostic JotForm HERE!
THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT FOR SESSION 73. Dates for future sessions will be announced soon!
FAQ
Do I have to have any prior experience?
Nope. We got you!
What if I've written some stuff, will this be boring?
Nope! We're starting with fundamentals, but diving deep. Any early-career writer will benefit!
I've already started a piece. Do I have to work on some random prompt?
Nope! You can write work for the piece you're working on. We don't want old work, but as long as it's new, it can be for something specific you're working on.
I'm only interested in book, lyrics OR music. Will the rest of the class go over my head?
Nope! You can be in the class working on book and lyrics, lyrics and music, or just music.
How will we present our work?
You'll film readings of your work and upload them for the class and RSO to watch. We'll all give you feedback!
As a composer, I don't know much about music theory or notation. Will that be a problem?
Not at all. As long as you can play it in your presentation video — which could be played by someone else or a computer — we'll get it!
Will this be a lot of work outside of class?
It depends. There will be a bit of work outside of class, but only a few hours a week. Like anything, it's as much effort as you want to put into it!
Will this class lead to other opportunities?
Yup! After taking this class, you'll be considered to join RSO's Advanced Writer's Group. And... the Advanced Writer's Group is always working toward having their work featured (and fully funded) by Actor Therapy's New Works program.
Questions? Email us here.