Playing to Write, Writing to Play: Using Improvisational Theater Games to Write Short Plays and Scenes

"Everyone is a goofball kid at heart, and we don't know what untapped resources of imagination and wit we have within us until we tap them in the name of play," says instructor and playwright Alison Luterman.

In this experiential workshop we will play easy theater games such as three-line scenes, status conversations, and gift giving, using these games as springboards to write our own mini-plays or scenes. We will also spend time exploring one-minute (one-page) plays, a sort of 'flash' drama that offers a glimpse of a complex situation.

"Improv brings out the wild genius in us,” says Alison, “and teaches us to trust our creative impulses. During improv exercises, we will focus on carefully observing and listening to our scene partners as a way to enhance our skills at writing dialogue and description."

By the end of the day, participants will have several mini-plays and "starts" for plays or stories under their belt. "And we will have a lot of fun," says Alison.