Young Adult Writers Program (YAWP): Playwriting with Complex Female Characters

Class Description

Class Description:

Throughout history, strong female characters have been written as one-dimensional or as an archetype. It was a revolutionary act to write a complex woman. In this workshop, we will pay homage to our favorite complex women written in plays by using them to inspire our female characters. First, we will read pieces from plays that include complex female characters, such as Lady Macbeth from Macbeth, Nora from The Doll's House, and Cindy from The Talented

Ones. We will discuss how the women are fleshed out and metaphorically escape the systematic sexism placed upon them and what elements are needed to create your complex female character in your plays. Bring your current project that needs further character development, or come to start a new piece! Playwrights or screenwriters are encouraged. For writers aged 13-18 ONLY.

Takeaway:

Students will leave class with a human perspective on creative writing. We aren't writing for shock value but for the venture for radicalism and the possibility of depicting the complex women we are today while taking a peek at the past and bringing in the powerful women written before us.

Class Format:

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Students who need an MBTA pass to commute to class can request one using this form. Snacks, pens, notebooks, chromebooks, and post-class pizza will be provided!

Space Accessibility:

Our space is fully ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.

Covid-19 Updates:

GrubStreet is a mask-friendly space. When our community Covid risk level is low or medium, masks are optional. We are currently at a low community risk level, so this offering is: mask optional. If our community Covid-19 risk level becomes high, we will follow the CDC recommendations and require masks within our space. Learn more about our Covid-19 Policy here.

Registration Instructions:

• If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
• If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
• If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
• Please register with your preferred name :)

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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this winter!***