TBG’s playwriting program encourages simplicity and clarity in story-telling. We share practical tools that can easily be applied to your writing, ignite the imagination, and demystify the revision process. Our approach highlights the structural pillars of a well-told narrative and helps writers establish clear contexts, so that their stories will have greater impact. TBG’s writing tools leave room for a wide range of expression, supporting all genres—from simple, intimate, powerful, character-driven plays to epic tales with stylized language. Whether you are a playwright crafting ten-minute plays or wanting to start and/or finish a full-length script, you’ll find yourself in a supportive workshop environment of committed theatre artists.
ARLENE HUTTON Classes
10 and 12 Week Quarterly Classes
- Playwriting Intensive: Process
- Advanced Playwriting Intensive w/ Arlene Hutton
- Playwriting Master Class w/ Arlene Hutton
Playwriting Intensive: Process
There is nothing like a deadline to get you writing and keep you going! Modeling on The Barrow Group aesthetic of using “tools,” this workshop includes in-class writing and out-of-class homework. As a supportive collective we’ll read and discuss our pages in class. Whether you are looking at finishing a first draft of a play or improving your writing process with scenes and one-acts, this workshop will provide you with positive support through examining techniques and tools. Are you a writer who starts from character or from story? We’ll look at themes, structure and character in an environment that brings out and channels your creativity. No prerequisites are required for this class.
1 and 2 Day Weekend Workshops
- Weekend Workshop: Playwriting Jumpstart
- Weekend Workshop: Playwriting Revisions
- Playwriting Weekend Workshop: Jumpstart & Revisions
Playwriting Weekend Workshop: Jumpstart & Revisions
This 2-day weekend workshop combines Jumpstart and Revisions into one weekend.
>> Click here to view upcoming Playwriting classes (choose “Playwriting/Screenwriting”)
“Had Arlene Hutton been around during Broadway’s golden age, her finely wrought plays might rank with those of William Inge or Horton Foote. Among postmodern dramatists, Hutton stands apart, relying on traditional techniques in an era where such values grow ever rarer.”
—David Nichols, LA Times
“Arlene Hutton is so supportive of her students, so genuine in her enthusiasm, so encouraging of exploration. I was talking to some of the other students as we left, and there was a consensus of buoyed enthusiasm and excitement from everyone in the room. People left her workshop truly excited to write. I think that she gave a lot of students back their confidence and inspired newfound passion for the craft in others.” –Becca Worthington, playwright
SCOTT ORGAN Classes
8 and 10 Week Quarterly Classes
- Playwriting Intensive: Structure
- Advanced Playwriting Intensive w/ Scott Organ
- Playwriting Master Class w/ Scott Organ
Playwriting Intensive: Structure
The word playwright (like boatwright or cartwright) means “maker” of plays, not writer of plays.
Playwrights are craftspeople and as reliant on structure as a carpenter or mason. In this class, we begin with an idea that resonates and build from there. Taking cues dating back to Aristotle, we will explore basic structure as we put pencil to paper. Once the framing is in place, we are free to explore and seek out those qualities that are valued in acting – something real, spontaneous, new. We will endeavor to surprise ourselves as we work. With a combination of home and class writing, we’ll share work in class – a safe environment for exploration where inner rebels won’t be provoked, all in the service of telling a sound, entertaining and surprising story.
In Level 1, I honor the notion of starting with an idea, craft the structure first, and then strike out and begin writing.
“Scott Organ’s Advanced Playwriting classes are exceptional. Each student’s work is given constructive, thoughtful, respectful feedback.
A very democratic approach.. encourages hard work , wonderful camaraderie , and a unified desire for each classmate to become the writer they hope to be.” – Jeannette Reid, Washington, student
Students (members) of the Barrow Group now qualify to purchase Final Draft 9 at a deeply discounted EDU price of only $129 (normally $249.99). Please go to this link to make your credit card purchase: www.finaldraft.com/edu