Leap:
Playwriting Intensive at the Arts Club Theatre
for Teen Writers (Grades 10-12)
Currently about to launch its fifth year, the LEAP Playwriting Intensive
is a dynamic, interactive program for young playwrights aged 16 to 18,
which introduces the student to the basics of playwriting in the exciting
environment of Vancouver’s largest and most successful theatre company.
LEAP offers an Introductory Level class for a maximum of 12 students, and
an Advanced Class for 6 students who have previous playwriting experience.
Both classes culminate in a public reading of material written by the
students, as part of the Arts Club's ReACT play reading series. The
Introductory level students create short playlets, and the Advanced
students each write one acts during their time in the program.
Any student with an interest in writing of any kind is encouraged to
apply. The program is designed for both those interested theatre-making
and those with a writing background who want to learn to write in a
different genre.
Both programs are led by award-winning playwright and actor, Shawn
Macdonald (see bio below).
Here's what some LEAP alumni have said about their experiences in the program:
"This program helped solidify my philosophy and views on
writing, let me learn about my craft and amazingly improved my rewriting
capabilities. The environment is unbelievable!"
"I would be the happiest person alive if I could do this for a living."
"I'm definitely going to write more plays now the tangible feedback from
the audience was amazing. Very satisfying."
"The program was amazing, such a great opportunity. I'm so thankful and
happy that I was able to be a part of it... I also learned a lot about
myself and what I want to do for the rest of my life."
"Amazing, amazing program!"
"Not only does it build you as a writer, it builds you as a person."
"This program raised my confidence as a playwright..."
"I loved every single aspect of this program!!"
PROGRAM DETAILS
All students accepted into the program will be on FULL SCHOLARSHIP.
There is no fee whatsoever for those accepted into the program.
Acceptance
into LEAP is based on the strength of writing samples that form part of
the application process.
All students must have regular access to an online computer.
Successful candidates will have to arrange for their own transportation to
and from the Arts Club for classes, readings, shows, etc.
Dates: Early November 2010 to late February 2011
LIVE
Up to ten classes at the Arts Club Theatre with playwright Shawn
Macdonald. Includes a tour of the theatre, meeting theatre professionals
who work on new plays, plus field trips to shows at the Arts Club Theatre.
ONLINE
Full, unlimited and secure access to the Interactive Classroom. Includes
lectures, online discussions, and group feedback on work posted, classroom
follow up and access to playwriting resources online.
PROFESSIONAL
Workshops and readings of the student playwrights' original plays by
professional actors in a public reading at the Arts Club Theatre in
February.
FOLLOW UP
Discussions on how to re-write a play after a workshop or reading, how to
submit a play to a theatre, and information on international youth
playwriting competitions and opportunities.
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HOW TO APPLY Submit the following by email, by October 15, 2010.
ADVANCED LEVEL
Students may apply at any time. Deadline for applications is October 15, 2010. Successful candidates will be notified by October 25 2010. |
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM LEADER: Shawn
Macdonald is an award-winning playwright and actor. His play Prodigal
Son won the Jessie Award for Outstanding Original Script in 2006 and
his play Demon Voice was produced by Touchstone Theatre in 2009. He
co-wrote the comedies World's Greatest Guy and Fear Knot (with
Gary Jones) for the Arts Club Theatre and his newest play The Fall of
Sister Judy was commissioned by the Arts Club as part of the Silver
Commissions Program.
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Generously supported by the RBC Foundation
and the Gerald
and Sheahan McGavin Capital Grant to the Arts