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Leap: Playwriting Intensive at the Arts Club Theatre
for Teen Writers (Grades 10-12)

LEAP ONLINE CLASSROOM LOGIN


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.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit the following by email, by October 15, 2010.

INTRODUCTORY LEVEL

  1. 1-2 page sample of ANY writing you feel good about a poem, essay, monologue, short scene, play, letter. It can be something you wrote a while ago or something brand new. Maximum 2 pages, 12 point font.
  2. A paragraph about you and why you'd like to participate in LEAP. Please include your age and where you go to school.
  3. Your phone number and email address.

ADVANCED LEVEL

  1. A scene or an excerpt from a play you've written. You can write a scene specifically for this application, or submit something that you've already written. Maximum 5 pages, 12 point font. STUDENTS APPLYING FOR THE ADVANCED PROGRAM MUST HAVE PREVIOUS PLAYWRITING EXPERIENCE.
  2. A paragraph about you and why you'd like to participate in LEAP. Indicate your previous experience with playwriting. Please include your age and where you go to school.
  3. Your phone number and email address.

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