New! Writing for Audio Drama with Public Presentation AND Advanced Libretto

Audio Drama with Crystal Skillman

As much of the theatrical world turns to digital productions, the Audio Drama has grown immensely as a way to create work regardless of the social distance. Led by award-winning playwright Crystal Skillman, you will learn how to craft an effective audio drama that you can immediately put out into the world.

At the end of this semester, you will partner with actors and directors from ESPA's Acting for Audio Drama and Directing Audio Drama classes to bring your work to life! You will rehearse and record excerpts from your work in class, which we will showcase at the end of the semester for anyone you would like to invite.

This class might be for you if you are:

• A writer who has created audio dramas and wants to take that writing to the next level.
• An experienced writer who is new to audio drama and interested in learning about and creating this new form.

• Excited to collaborate with actors and directors at the end of the semester to bring your piece to life.

In this class you will:

• Deepen your command of dramatic writing, and strengthen your craft in all mediums, as you first ask - what story is right for what medium?
• Under Crystal’s guidance, craft an idea for a serialized audio drama.
• From this idea, beat sheet a strong 10-minute pilot.
• Create a longline and treatment for your series.

• At the end of the semester, rehearse and record your 10-minute pilot with actors and directors.

By the end of this class you will:

• Have materials for your serialized audio drama, including a beat sheet and draft of your pilot, a logline and treatment for your series, and a recording of your work.
• Understand how to use these materials to pitch your series, and how to explore producing on your own.

• Have the opportunity to record your work with actors and directors, and show this work to invited guests.

PLUS! Advanced Libretto Writing with Michael Mitnick

A musical is only as good as its libretto. Any producer will tell you that without a strong story that drives forward from conflict to discovery, great songs don't matter. This advanced-level course is designed for writers who are in the process of developing a musical. Spend the semester workshopping and executing your musical-in-progress with Michael Mitnick, librettist for such musicals as Scotland, PA at Roundabout and Fly by Night at Playwrights Horizons!

Start and end dates for classes vary. 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.