Writing for Stage and Screen
Explore the art of storytelling, narrative structure, character function and creation with successful playwright Paul Kalburgi. This workshop will challenge you and arm you with tips, tricks, and exercises to aid your writing process.
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Description
As a writer working on projects for both stage and screen, I have designed this workshop to explore the fundamentals of scriptwriting across the two mediums, taking practical writing exercises from my forthcoming book, The Writers’ Toolkit (published Spring 2020).
The days are structured around a series of fast-paced, inspired exercises, completed in a 'circuit-writing' format. Working alone, as well as in collaboration with other members of the group, I will share a plethora of activities suitable for writers of all levels, including those who are new to the craft. Participants will leave feeling energized and motived to write, armed with a host of new go-to tips and tricks which can be applied to any work-in-progress; or used as a jumping-off point for a new piece of work.
Exercises will cover the art of storytelling, narrative structure, character function, the creation of dialogue and the importance of considering your arena as a character, without the distraction of working towards a finished piece of writing.
Course overview
- Playwriting vs. Screenwriting - similarities and differences between the mediums
- How to get past 'Writer's block' - regardless of the medium you are writing for
- Trimming the fat - when to stop talking!
- Arena as character - immersive writing techniques
- Drama and conflict - quick tips to help raise the stakes and move a story forward
- Getting to know you - understanding our characters, their backstories and worlds
- Talking dialogue - keeping it real!
- Plus, formatting your work to industry standards, and analogue vs. digital scriptwriting
Sessions are supported by visual aids including paper handouts, as well as music and screenings of useful clips, interviews, and scenes.
We'll take an hour's lunch break in the middle of each day so please bring your lunch and enjoy mingling with other course-goers.
About Paul Kalburgi
Paul Kalburgi is a British playwright, screenwriter, and television producer based in Auckland, New Zealand. His plays have been staged in London, New York and Dallas. He is perhaps best known for his work in verbatim theatre, with his drama In The Tall Grass (Bishop Arts Theatre Centre, Dallas) winning Outstanding New Play in the DFW Theatre Critics Forum Awards 2018. In contrast, his popular dark comedy Almost The Birthday Party (Etcetera Theatre, London) continues to be licensed by theatre companies internationally. Recent screenwriting work includes several episodes for the hit US docudrama series The Price of Fame (Reelz Channel). In New Zealand, Paul has recently started writing for Shortland Street (TVNZ 2). As a TV producer, he has produced content for networks in the UK and USA across a variety of genres.
Awarded MA (Writing for Screen & Stage) by Regents University, London, Paul continues to lead writing courses and workshops in the UK, USA and NZ. A resource book based on his workshops is due to be published by Nick Hern Books in Spring 2020.
Paul is a member of the New Zealand Writers Guild and the Dramatists Guild of America, where he serves as New Zealand Ambassador.
For more information, visit www.paulkalburgi.com
Opening Address 22 August
You are invited to attend our opening address at 9am on Saturday 22 August 2020. Carole Beu from the Women's Bookshop will fire up the day with an early morning talk on her raves and faves. Have a cuppa, listen to Carole and meet others.
