Writing is natural for some, but today we are more likely to communicate our absence by phone and text. So, how do we break that pattern and begin to order our thoughts on the page?  It’s habit. Begin by writing for 15 minutes every day.  Don’t cross out or delete, don’t judge your words, just get the basic thoughts on paper.  Overtime, it will become easier.  The next step is to read. Find out what kind of writing you admire.  Look at stories, poems, plays, novels, and journalism.  These forms have been with us for centuries and there is something to suit every taste.

 

Classes at the Playwrights’ Center:

 

Creating Conversations - The building block of theater is dialogue, two people talking.  From that you can create character and plot.  You’ll find it’s fun to write dialogue.  But you’ll also look at how you can begin to exert control over a character through the words you have them speak.  Lots of writing and shared discussion.  The class will also  consider examples from several contemporary plays.

 

 

A Sample of Contemporary Plays About Soldiers/Veterans

Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue by Quiara Alegria Hudes, New York, NY

The Great Game: Afghanistan by Tricycle Theater, London, England

Black Watch by Gregory Burke, Glasgow, Scotland

Ajax in Iraq by Ellen McLaughlin, Boston, MA

Trajectories by Chris Mandia (US Marine) Chicago, IL

Spark by Caridad Svich, Los Angeles, CA