Grackle image by DJ House
Playwriting is where architecture and alchemy joyfully meet. Participants will have the chance to develop their scripts as viable blueprints: stories that can leap forward to become a collaboration with future actors, directors, and designers.
In this seven-week workshop course, we will build a supportive writers’ room focused on the creation of brand new, 10 minute science fiction and/or fantasy script. Classes will feature guided, generative exercises, mentor texts, and group workshopping of plays written by the participants. Students will also receive recommendations of potential submission and production opportunities, both locally and nationally, at the conclusion of the class.
Ultimately, speculative theater – which includes science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, or any storytelling featuring imagined elements – is a way to embrace the infinite possibilities of the art form, and forge new and meaningful connections between humans. This beginner level class invites writers to put down their safe, old, hand-me-down realism, and come outside to play.
ABOUT:
Elizabeth Ann Michaela Keel is a native Houstonian, as well as a playwright, director, actress, dramaturg, producer, screenwriter, and novelist. Her plays have been read or produced by 14 Pews, Bootown, Cone Man Running, Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, Flexible Grey, Fresh Produce’d (NYC), The Growing Stage: Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, Haven Arts Theatre, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Landing Theatre Company, METdance, Mildred’s Umbrella, Nova Arts Project, Otherworld Theatre Company, Shattered Globe Theatre, Squeaky Bicycle, Stages, The Studio Theatre at Tierra Del Sol, T.E.T.A., This Is Water Theatre, Tokyo International Players, Voxfest, and Wordsmyth, among others. She has published two novels: Running Into Trouble and Life After Myth, and her poetry has appeared in Defunkt magazine. Some of her plays have been published by Smith & Kraus and Stage Partners; the rest are available on New Play Exchange. She adores teaching (and learning from) writers of all ages, and talking to absolutely anyone about the plays they have read. Upcoming projects can be found at www.elizabethamkeel.com.