Fall Writing Classes at Primary Stages ESPA!

Fall 2017 classes at Primary Stages ESPA are now open for enrollment! Here are just some of the classes in our lineup of opportunities in the writing department:

Fundamentals of Playwriting

Kara Lee Corthron (Writer, AliceGraceAnon at New Georges, "Kings" on NBC)

If you're just stepping into the world of playwriting, welcome! Whether you're a theater artist boldly crossing the line from one discipline to another, a novelist or poet searching for a new form, or a budding playwright who wants to get down to basics, this class was made for you.

The First Draft

This class will guide you through the development of your first draft, providing concrete deadlines, constructive feedback, and a collaborative environment that will encourage you to get your ideas on the page. Instructors include:

Eddie Sanchez (Writer, Barefoot Boy with Shoes On at Primary Stages)

Winter Miller (Writer, In Darfur at The Public Theater)

Joshua Harmon (Writer, Significant Other on Broadway, Bad Jews at Roundabout Theater Company)

Leah Nanako Winkler (Writer, Kentucky at EST)

Crystal Skillman (Writer, Geek and Rain and Zoe Save the World)

Michael Walkup (Producing Artistic Director, Page 73)

Rewriting Your Draft

Stefanie Zadravec (Writer, The Electric Baby at Two River Theatre Company)

Whether you choose to embark on a rewrite of your entire play or focus on individual scenes, writing exercises and in-class discussion will inspire you to ask new questions of your play, look at it from various angles, and deconstruct it with your fellow writers. Writers will bring in 20 pages every other week, allowing you to really dive into the rhythm of your play.

The Second Draft

Melissa Ross (Of Good Stock at MTC, Nice Girl at Labyrinth)

This class is for those with complete drafts who are ready to hear the play in full and embark on strategic rewrites. Over ten weeks, you will have the opportunity to hear your draft read aloud in its entirety twice. With your classmates and a company of Primary Stages ESPA actors, you’ll hear your draft read in the first half of the semester and then will have three weeks to revise your draft before the second reading.

The Web Series

Kate Wetherhead (Writer, Director, Creator of "Submissions Only"; Actor, Broadway's Legally Blonde and ...Spelling Bee)

Web series are short-form programming created especially for the internet and designed with the immediacy of the audience in mind. This digital marriage of screen and television writing is a platform for writers to do what they want, unrestricted by producers or censors and uniquely positioned to go viral for maximum exposure.

10th Anniversary Throwback: Everything is Action with Martyna Majok

Martyna Majok (Writer, Cost of Living at MTC, Ironbound at Rattlestick/Women's Project)

This workshop will explore the ways in which "action" supports each of the essential building blocks of a play that summon a complete theatrical world. You will explore through exercises and discussion with the group how to effectively create dramatic action as it applies to the structure, pacing, and world of the play.

Navigating New Play Development with Adam Kraar

Adam Kraar (Writer, New World Rhapsody at MTC, Wild Terrain at EST)

This workshop will give you tools for navigating the landscape of new play development. You will learn strategies for setting workshop goals, tips for communicating about your play with collaborators and decision-makers, and the secrets of having a successful play reading.

Self-Producing with Sasha Eden

Sasha Eden (Actor, Producer, and Co-Founder of WET Productions)

This workshop will guide you through each of the producing fundamentals: developing your concept, working with source material, participating in successful collaborations, merging entrepreneurial efforts with artistic inspiration, and the nuts and bolts of building a production company.

Click here for the full list of writing classes.

Our award-winning faculty, comprised of working professionals in the field, provides practical skills and expert guidance in a collaborative community atmosphere.

Primary Stages ESPA provides students easy and convenient payment plans to break up tuition. For more information, call 212.840.9705 x215 or email espa@primarystages.org.