FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE: LETTING

ACTIONS AND WORDS TELL THE STORY

(Stage Plays and Musicals)

This is a workshop geared toward young writers who desire to write

a play but may have questions. Using *published plays as our prima-
ry resource, each participant will be exposed to various writing styles
and formats commonly used in dramatic writing. From drama to comedy to “Absurd-ism”,
participants will be exposed to a variety of excerpts and forms that do not point to any one
particular method. A picturesque history of native theatre in Canada will be reviewed.

The main goal is to allow the participant to freely associate with their dramatic voice. We
are all storytellers!

Each participant will create a 10 minute one-act play.

Workshop activities may include:

• Dramatic activity and theatre games (group trust exercises, conflict/resolution exercises
• Original skit, sketch comedy
• Aboriginal tales and legends, and world mythology as a basis for modern storytelling
• Reading native plays and character role assignments
• Writing your own one-act play
• Watching excerpts of native theatre performance
• Outdoor explorations
• Presentation and feedback sessions

Resources:

Drew Hayden Taylor “Toronto at Dreamer’s Rock”; Tomson Highway “Raven Stole the Sun”
(an adaptation); Sam Shepard “The Late Henry Moss”; Theatre Sports; Greek Mythology;
Christopher Vogler “The Heroes Journey”

*Additional material and exercises will be introduced.

*Workshop packages to be provided including follow-up activities.

Ages: 16 to Adult
Length: Approximately two hours