In 2016, NHSI piloted an exciting new program with four Chicagoland high schools to teach students the art of playwriting. Professional playwright and screenwriter, John Corwin, guided over 100 students through the process of creating an original 10-minute play; over the course of 12 sessions, students participated in workshops, discussions, and writing exercises as they learned the basics of dramatic structure, honing their individual voices to develop their scripts. The program was such a success, that in the fall of 2017, NHSI enlarged its reach to 3 more local high schools.
Participants in the program, primarily sophomores and juniors, range in skill and writing experience. At the end of the session, interested students have the opportunity to apply to participate in the NHSI Film & Video Institute that takes place in July on the Northwestern University campus.
Educators and students who are interested in having this program at your school can contact Jennifer Avery, Director of NHSI at jennifer.avery@northwestern.edu.
In this 2-week summer intensive, the select group of Chicagoland students who took the Playwriting Workshop during the school year craft their plays in a professional and educational environment. Every morning, the students work on their writing in a master class led by a professional playwright. In the afternoon, students work with actors and directors in a rehearsal process to hear their scripts out loud. In this process, playwrights have the opportunity to receive feedback from professional mentors and take what they learn from rehearsal back into the morning masterclass.
The program culminates in the invaluable experience of a public staged reading performance of their plays.
Playwriting students also have the opportunity to take electives in the NHSI Film & Video program to enhance their playwriting experience, take creative risks, and strengthen their artistic voice.