LEAP: PLAYWRITING INTENSIVE FOR YOUNG WRITERS
LEAP 2013 PUBLIC READINGS
All events are free and will be held in the
Revue Stage
Sunday, March 31
LEAP Level 1, 7–9:30 PM
Sunday, April 7
LEAP Level 2, 7–9:30 PM
Sunday, April 14
LEAP Level 3, 7–9 PM
This year’s stellar company of professional actors who will read the
student plays:
Gaelan Beatty
Briana Buckmaster
Dean Paul Gibson
Jeff Gladstone
Luisa Jojic
Currently about to launch its seventh year, LEAP (Learning
Early About Playwriting) is a dynamic, interactive program for young
playwrights. Participants learn the basic principles of playwriting, share
their work with classmates, and provide feedback for one another in a safe
and supportive environment. Students also receive feedback from theatre
professionals and have their work developed by professional actors in this
unique program offered by Western Canada’s largest theatre company.
LEAP offers three courses: Level I, for a maximum of 10 introductory-level
students; Level II, for 5 students who have previous playwriting
experience; and Level III, for 1 college- or university-level student.
Level I students create short plays, Level II students write one-act plays,
and the Level III student is guided through the creation of a full-length
play. All classes culminate in a public reading of material written by the
students.
Any student with an interest in writing of any kind is encouraged to apply.
The program is designed both for those interested in theatre-making and
those with a writing background who want to learn to write in a different
genre. All programs are led by award-winning playwright and actor Shawn
Macdonald (see bio below).
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| The Level 1 class from the 2011/2012 program | The Level 2 class from the 2011/2012 program |
Here's what some alumni have to say about LEAP:
"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
a computer with internet connection. Successful candidates must arrange
for their own transportation to and from the Arts Club for classes,
readings, shows, etc.
Dates: Mid-November 2012 to April 2013
IN PERSON
Ten classes at the Arts Club with playwright Shawn Macdonald. Includes a
tour of the company, meeting theatre professionals who work on new plays,
and field trips to select productions at the Arts Club free of charge.
ONLINE
Full, unlimited, and secure access to the program’s closed Facebook group.
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 in February 2013.
FOLLOW-UP
Discussions on how to rewrite a play after a workshop or reading, how to
submit a play to a theatre company, and information on youth playwriting
competitions and opportunities.
LEAP sessions are weekly beginning on November 14th.
- Level 1 is on Monday evenings 7 PM to 9 PM, at the Granville
Island Stage
- Level 2 is on Tuesdays evenings 7 PM to 9 PM, at the Granville
Island Stage
There is a break from on site classes from mid-December to Late
January. Then classes resume weekly until early March. After that
there are weekend workshop with professional actors and public
readings on Sundays throughout April.
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HOW TO APPLY Submit the following by
email,
by October 31, 2012. Students applying for the Levels I
and II courses should be in the 16 to 18 age range.
Level III applicants should be in the early stages of
their college or university careers.
LEVEL II
LEVEL III
Deadline for applications is October 31, 2012. Applicants will be notified either way shortly thereafter. |
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 Company, and his newest play, Sister Judy, was
commissioned by the Arts Club as part of the Silver Commissions program.
Shawn is the Artistic Associate at Green Thumb Theatre for Young Audiences
and produces and directs the annual collective creation for teenagers,
The Edge Project.
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Generously supported by the RBC Foundation, Bonnie Mah,
and the Gerald and Sheahan McGavin Capital Grant to the Arts