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Many writers of stage and screen reach a point where they can benefit hugely from a one-on-one relationship with a writing mentor in which they receive focused and rigorous attention on their project(s).
Instructor Jessica Litwak says, “As a professional actor, playwright and screenwriter, I come to each new project with a beginner’s mind and an adventurous heart. I love assisting writers to hear their dialogue, to feel their characters, to become excited by their plots, to know their message. I want writers to reach for true and free self-expression, excellence of craft and maximum audience impact.”
In this script writing mentorship, writers are welcome to begin with a first, second or third draft of a script or scene or even just a strong script idea. There will be a consultation at the beginning of the mentorship to determine the best path forward for the writer’s project.
During the mentorship, Jessica will look at character, dialogue, story arc, plot and, if desired, she will help brainstorm about production potentials. In-depth feedback will be given in writing, but since a play or screenplay will eventually be seen and heard, Jessica would like to augment the feedback process with a voice-to-voice session. Students will have a 30-minute Zoom or phone call after each packet is delivered (3 total). During these calls, some of the script may be read out loud and there also may be discussions about organizing a table reading of the script at different stages of the process.
Over a nine-week period, writers will submit three packets of work and receive individualized and thorough feedback from Jessica. Each packet will consist of: 1) Any level of draft of a script for stage or screen which Jessica will help the writer develop to the agreed-upon finish line. If the writer wants to include a full-length script in the first packet, then further writing assignments will be short; if the writer wants to divide the script in three parts, with one per packet, that is also doable. 2) A critical component in which writers will engage in a study of certain screenplays and plays (either by reading or watching) and relate those discoveries to their own work. 3) A short letter to Jessica in which writers can discuss their project, their inspiration and goals, and their writing life, as well as ask specific questions.
Intermediate writers and above recommended.