Writing A Compelling College Application Essay - November 22, 2008
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Coming Winter and Spring 2009

FROM DIALOGUE TO DRAMATIC MONOLOGUE

TRY ON A NEW "HAT" BY DEVELOPING A CHARACTER THROUGH SPEECH!

A dramatic monologue is a speech or type of poem (generally free verse, in a very conversational tone) spoken to an audience, another character, or, reflectively, to oneself. Speaking in a voice authentic to the character, the speaker reveals details about the character’s psychological state and personality, and also about the topic or event, and the setting. This workshop invites you to try out your writing wings, your acting wings, and your speaking wings – and to boost self-confidence while you’re at it! Since monologues are often calling cards – or tickets “in” for those new to acting, a strong monologue allows you to showcase your acting and writing talent. Even if you’re not prepping for a career in acting, writing a monologue is energizing, creative and fun! We’ll improvise, brainstorm, read a variety of monologues aloud to see how speech and tone reveal character. We’ll write collaboratively and individually to create monologues that achieve the same. This workshop offers a safe place to try it out “on stage.”

Date: TBD
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 4: 30 p.m.
Location: TBA
Fee: $200
Other: Bring notebooks, a pen and sack lunch.



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• Jumpstarting Your Creativity [ view ]

JUMPSTARTING YOUR CREATIVITY

Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.
~Helen Keller

Is your creativity gene on hiatus? Do you love the power and beauty of language, but lack time or inspiration? As writer Donald Murray suggested, it takes a destination and a plan to make surprise possible. Whether you seek to restore personal or professional creativity and innovation, serious work requires serious play. Even if you’ve taken this workshop before, this newly revised course invites you to recharge.

During our high energy, focused, yet flexible time together, we’ll plunge into exercises and strategies to spark creativity and to bypass mental roadblocks. We’ll write quickly to stay ahead of the inner critic, and boldly to outsmart the censor. Experience a marketplace of ideas where strategic writing prompts invite you to take intellectual and creative risks that lead to breakthrough thinking.

In good workshop fashion, we’ll share our work as time allows. A desired outcome is for you to leave with a storehouse of language and ideas to motivate long after the workshop ends.

(This workshop is geared to individuals of all ages and walks of life, and can also be customized and presented on location for groups of twenty or more.)

Date: TBD
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: TBA
Fee:
Other: Bring notebooks, a pen and sack lunch.



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WRITING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.
~William Wordsworth

While SAT scores, transcripts and extra-curricular activities are important aspects of your college application, your personal essay distinguishes you. An effective essay demonstrates your intellectual vitality, creativity and uniqueness -- qualities that will help you succeed.

Whether you are totally blocked, or have a working draft that needs a final edit, this workshop offers strategies for writing the essay that sets you apart—and above. In this workshop, you will:

• analyze outstanding essays
• brainstorm topics
• select and develop your topic
• shape your essay
• breathe life into your language
• apply techniques for revision, so that your final draft is clear, concise and captivating
• avoid common mistakes
• respond to “out-of-the-box” essay topics
• think about what admissions officers really seek (it may not be what you think!)

The Acorn Theory (mighty oaks from little acorns grow) reminds us that we are born with gifts, inner resources and strength. A personal journal helps us access our rich inner world, sharpen our observations, gain insights from our experiences, clarify our goals, and move beyond our blocks. Finally, many writers find the seeds of public pieces in their personal journals.

Experience a day of revitalizing and illuminating exercises and activities. In addition, participants will receive a handout listing relevant resources.

Date: TBD
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: TBA
Fee:
Other: Bring notebooks, a pen and sack lunch.



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• Writing About Nature From An Urban Perch [ view ]

WRITING ABOUT NATURE FROM AN URBAN PERCH

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.
~Rachel Carson

I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines.
~Henry David Thoreau

Whether you explore wildlife, plants and other natural wonders while on vacation, in the narrow strip of grass between buildings, in the hollows of a nearby mighty oak, lakeside, or in your own backyard, this is an invitation to share and to shape reflections, experiences and observations about the natural world. Inspired by a sampling of passages from nature writers, we’ll draw on all of our senses, sharpen our ability to observe, dig deep into memory, and free-write with ease, filling our notebooks with jottings, poems, short essays, even letters, to capture – in language – the beauty, wonder, color and textures of nature.

Date: TBD
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: TBA
Fee:
Other: Bring notebooks, a pen and sack lunch.



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