Patricia Cotter: Playwriting 101 – Taking the First Step

5 Thursdays, February 23 – March 23, 7-9:30pm
$275 members/$295 non-members
Testimonials for Patricia

How do you begin writing when you don’t even know where to start? Many writers begin their play, and then find themselves losing steam after only a few pages. Usually it’s because they aren’t quite clear about what or who they are writing about. So, then the million dollar question is: “What is your play about?”

This workshop will help you discover the themes and the focus of your story in a safe and fun environment. Odds are your idea is in there — somewhere — and this workshop will guide you to discover the words and ways to express it. Through lectures and in-class writing exercises Patricia will guide you through the scary stuff back to your idea — showing you how to make clean, clear and workable choices. The first half of this workshop is dedicated to discussing the building blocks of any good play (be it 10-minute, one act or full length, or musical): character, conflict, dialogue, subtext, story, and endings.

“This workshop is designed to give you an introduction to the tools and the support you need to take the first step in writing your play,” says instructor Patricia Cotter. “You will leave the workshop armed with the information, focus, and confidence you need to continue writing.”

Patricia Cotter is a working, Emmy Award winning, Groundling Theater (where she taught improv) and Second City alum. Her produced plays include The Break Up Notebook (A GLAAD Award nominee, starring actress Jane Lynch); Three; Best/Worst; Flawed; and The Girls. Her musicals (librettist/adaptations) include: The Break Up Notebook: The Lesbian Musical (based on her play) and Rocket Science: A Musical (winner of the Richard Rodgers Award from the Academy of Arts and Letters). Screenplays include Personal Injuries co-written with Dustin Hoffman for his company Punch Productions; Krazy Girls winner Best Short in Los Angeles Outfest Film Festival; and Vows developed for Valhalla Motion Pictures. She has also written for Twentieth Century Fox Television, Disney Theatrical and Comedy Central.