Gallery 7 Theatre in Abbotsford holds a virtual workshop starting Tuesday, Feb. 2 on the theory and practice of writing plays for the stage.
Play Writing: Shaping the Experience runs for six weeks via Zoom and is led by professional writer, professor, director and performer Dr. Lloyd Arnett.
‘This special workshop represents a perfect opportunity to convert those long winter nights into something educational, creative and engaging,” said Ken Hildebrandt, Gallery 7 Theatre artistic director.
“All experience levels are welcome for this hands-on experience that will explore both theory and the practical sides of writing a play. You’ll also enjoy great interaction with fellow participants as you share your play ideas, exchange initial script pages and provide each other helpful feedback. All from the comfort of your hoe!”
Play Writing: Shaping the Experience is an introduction to the art of play writing in two parts.
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In part one, participants will study the theory of the art form from ancient to contemporary. The sessions will guide participants in crafting “an action” from which a play can be created and take them through the process of extending that into a “scenario” and the dialogue of a finished product.
Part two will be a workshop in which participants read and discuss scenes they have written on their journey to making a working play.
Along the way, participants will also learn about script-formatting, copyright, submission and the process of working on a live performance of their work.
Arnett has a PhD in theatre arts from the University of Pittsburgh; is a professional performer, a new-plays reader and dramaturg; has been a board member of various theatres; and has taught at the University of Pittsburgh, at Penn State University (New Kensington), and, for 30 years, at Trinity Western University.
Arnett has produced, directed, designed and written or adapted numerous productions. He directs at every opportunity and has taught play-writing courses and seminars in Canada’s Lower Mainland, the American east coast, and Taipei, Taiwan.
The workshop runs for six consecutive Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., starting Feb. 2. Visit gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940 to register or for more information, including cost.