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Creating Worlds on the Screen: A Screenwriting Workshop for Teens (Ages 13-18)

In this 8 week workshop, students will learn the fundamentals needed to write a short film or feature film; includes lectures, exercises, and constructive workshopping of student work.
Ferrell Studios
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(65)
Star Educator
Popular
Class

What's included

8 live meetings
6 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Students may be given individual homework assignments including working on their existing scripts, or responding to prompts given in class. Homework should take no more than two hours a week.

Class Experience

"Creating Worlds on the Screen: A Screenwriting Workshop for Teens" is a multi-week course designed for students ages 13-18 who are interested in exploring the art of screenwriting. This class will provide a supportive and creative environment for young writers to learn the basics of screenwriting and to develop their own unique voice as a screenwriter.

Each week, students will be introduced to a new screenwriting concept through a combination of lectures, group discussions, writing exercises, and workshop sessions. Some of the topics we will cover include character development, plot structure, dialogue, formatting, and visual storytelling.

In addition to learning about screenwriting techniques, students will have the opportunity to work on their own short screenplays, which they will have the chance to share with the class for feedback and discussion.

Week 1: Introduction to Screenwriting. The visual aspect of film. Where to find inspiration. The
usefulness of outlines.
Week 2: Story-mapping. Establishing time, place, and theme. Finding a major dramatic
question.
Week 3: Characters. Forming a cast of characters and finding objectives. The protagonist, the
antagonist, the other roles. Making characters dimensional.
Week 3: Format. How to format a screenplay and write effective script descriptions.
Week 4: Scene. Finding the plot of the story. Mapping out the events of the story; the beginning,
the middle, and the end in an outline. What makes a good scene.
Week 5: Dialogue. Characterization through dialogue. Stage directions.
Week 6: Plot. How to create an effective opening of a script. How to keep going strong in Act II.
Creating an effective climax. How flashbacks can be used.
Week 7: Subplot. Subplot structure. Identifying subplots in your story.
Week 8: Revision. Readings, adjustments in performance, constructive feedback.

I am a visual demonstrator; will show knowledge, include activities,
but also encourage back and forth communication among students. Students may have
opportunities to collaborate with each other in class.

SUBSITUTE POLICY:
Ferrell Studios is an organization on Outschool with about 15 teachers with professional training and experience in the arts. Occasionally, the teacher for this class may not be able to teach and a substitute teacher from the organization will take her place. Only teachers trained to teach this class will serve as a possible substitute for the class. A message will be posted in the Outschool classroom before the class takes place in the event a substitute will be teaching. Thank you for your understanding!
Learning Goals
Students will be able to identify the key visual elements that differentiate screenwriting from other forms of writing and will explore various sources of inspiration for screenwriting ideas.
Students will be able to construct a story map that clearly establishes the time, place, and theme of their screenplay, and will formulate a major dramatic question that drives the narrative.
learning goal

Syllabus

8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Screenwriting
 The visual aspect of film. Where to find inspiration. The usefulness of outlines. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Story-mapping
 Establishing time, place, and theme. Finding a major dramatic question. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Characters
 Forming a cast of characters and finding objectives. The protagonist, the antagonist, the other roles. Making characters dimensional. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Format
 How to format a screenplay and write effective script descriptions. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2022
5.0
65reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts from Rutgers University
Luke Ferrell
Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts from Hunter College
Kevin Rose
Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts from Temple University
Lysia Mogford
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Temple University
Michael Kelberg
MICHAEL KELBERG:
Michael is a professional working actor (SAG-AFTRA) who has had roles in: FOR LIFE  (ABC), THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (AMAZON), FBI (CBS) and THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA (HBO) to name a few.  Upcoming projects include the films: EVERYTHING AND THE UNIVERSE, SHOPPING TOWARDS BETHLEHEM and THREE BLIND MICE.  He has been in 100+ Commercials/Industrials/Print and has over a decade of experience working with kids of all ages at Camps, Youth Groups and Non-Profits.  Michael has a B.A. In Journalism from Temple University and has studied at HB Studio, the Simon Studio and  Upright Citizen's Brigade.  He lives with his wife Becky, a Social Worker and two kids Lila & Lucy and they're beloved rescue Stella, a boxer-mix. 

LYSIA MOGFORD
Lysia Mogford is an actor, comedian, and teaching artist based in Philadelphia PA. She is a recent graduate from Temple University with an acting degree. Since then, she has been acting locally, teaching in afterschool programs, directing local productions and films, and doing stand up and improv. Some of her most exciting recent projects are Love is Afoot, a world premier of an all new musical, performing at a character show at Philadelphia Improv theater, and now directing a production of King Lear coming up in February 2024. Her biggest passion is comedy! She is proficient in sketch comedy, improv, standup, and comedy writing. She looks to create theater that promotes equality, changes to the traditional theater mold, and most of all makes people laugh.

CHRISTIE DAVIS:
As an actor, Christie has performed professionally as a wide array of characters in various genres, from musical comedies to dramatic straight plays and new works. Some favorite credits include The Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), The Narrator (Joseph), Beth March (Little Women), Winnifred the Woebegone (Once Upon a Mattress), and Jennie Mae Layman (The Diviners), a role for which Christie received a nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Play’ in the 2023 Regional Broadway Awards. Backstage, Christie has managed everything from sound, microphones, sets, and costumes to help produce the best show possible. In her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, Christie developed and directed an after-school theatre program for middle schoolers that instructed and guided students in theatrical performance and professionalism. She feels that fine arts education programs are essential for all to practice creativity and explore our shared humanity. She is grateful for the opportunity to do such socially valuable work and help curate an environment that encourages students to embrace their individuality as integral to their craft. 

LUKE HARDT:
Luke, a lifelong theater artist, has decades of experience directing, designing and writing plays for all age levels. As an actor, he has numerous film and stage credits. Luke loves to teach and learn through all things theater and is delighted to engage on almost any creative topic. He holds an M.F.A in Acting from Temple University and has served as Director of Theatre for the University of Montevallo and Bethany College. During his time at the Performing Arts Magnet High School (CCPAC), in Montgomery, his students earned statewide recognition, succeeded in earning significant scholarships, got offers from numerous training programs and for many, went on to successful professional careers. His own career includes directing over 85 plays representing a broad range of genres, age groups, audiences and venues. Luke’s approach to teaching is collaborative, eclectic, physical, and informed by years of study and practice. He is looking forward to sharing his expertise in Acting, Audition Prep, Playwriting, History and Appreciation, and more with the next generation of theatre people through Ferrell Studios/Outschool.

DAPHNE SARDIS:
Daphne Sardis is a New Jersey-based filmmaker, writer, and actor. Her most recent short film credits include Ioanna (Writer/Director) and Diary of a Simpy Kid: The Documentary (Director). She is currently studying Digital Filmmaking and English at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where she is also a Writing Center tutor and the videographer for the Livingston Theatre Company. Her most recent theatre credits include Into the Woods (The Witch), Hair (Claude), Cinderella (Queen), and tick, Tick, BOOM! (Jon). She is very excited to bring beginner filmmaking courses to Ferrell Studios and inspire the next generation of artists.

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Live Group Course
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$19

weekly or $150 for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
45 min

Completed by 10 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-5 learners per class

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