This summer we're going to be running our first Intensive, focusing on Comedy.
Writers are notorious procrastinators. When we've got an idea we want to explore, we often happily do all the research, but when it comes down to sitting down and getting it down on paper or on the screen, we find that there's some emergency washing up that needs doing, or the windows need cleaning, or you must get that picture framed and hung on the wall. It's got to be said that that makes for a relatively tidy house, but it doesn't get the writing done.
The WFTS Intensives are an online writing weekend from the comfort of your own home. Starting on Friday nights with an initial social meet and idea gathering session, finishing on Sunday evening with a new script. You'll put aside the whole weekend to write - the luxury. Think "writers retreat" but it doesn't cost £700.
The first Intensive will be focusing on Comedy - 21st-23 July
The timetable -
Fri 21st July
6-8pm - Meeting, getting to know each other, sharing stories that have made us laugh. We'll focus on characters, exploring what makes a character comedic. We'll explore character objectives and how they affect behaviour to comic effect.
Then before the session on Saturday morning, you'll rough out some ideas.
Sat 22nd July
11am-1pm - Heightened situations, heightened stakes.
We'll explore how upping the stakes forces our characters to take desperate measures and make rash decisions. We'll look at comedy voices and explore how our characters communicate.
1pm-6pm Writing-time
6pm-8pm - Reading and sharing, identifying development points.
Sun 23rd July
11am-1pm - The time constraint and timing on the page.
We'll explore how time affects characters objectives and how it can up the ante. We'll explore how comedy works on the page and how it can be heightened by the character's voice.
1pm-6pm - Writing time
6-8pm Reading and sharing.
By the end of the Intensive, you should have a great first draft of a comedy script. All work developed during the Intensive will be read in front of an audience as a rehearsed reading at Studio Salford Development Week in September (NB - if you want it to!).
There will be one-to-one sessions during the writing time for each person to discuss and develop their ideas with our tutor, Mike Heath.
Cost - £100
For information about how to access the sessions online, check out the FAQs here.
