LEAP
PLAYWRITING INTENSIVE FOR YOUNG WRITERS
2011/2012

Currently about to launch its sixth year, LEAP (Learning Early About Playwriting) is a dynamic, interactive program for young playwrights. Participants learn the basic principles of playwriting, share their work with classmates, and provide feedback for one another in a safe and supportive environment. Students also receive feedback from theatre professionals and have their work developed by professional actors in this unique program offered by Western Canada’s largest theatre company.

This year, LEAP will offer three courses: Level I, for a maximum of 10 students; Level II, for 5students who have previous playwriting experience; and Level III, for 1 college- or university-level student. Level I students create short plays, Level II students write one-act plays, and the Level III student is guided through the creation of a full-length play. All classes culminate in a public reading of material written by the students.

Any student with an interest in writing of any kind is encouraged to apply. The program is designed both for those interested in theatre-making and those with a writing background who want to learn to write in a different genre. All programs are led by award-winning playwright and actor Shawn Macdonald (see bio below).

     

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Here's what some alumni have to say about LEAP:

"This program helped solidify my philosophy and views on writing, let me learn about my craft, and amazingly improved my rewriting capabilities. The environment is unbelievable!"

"I would be the happiest person alive if I could do this for a living."

"I'm definitely going to write more plays now the tangible feedback from the audience was amazing. Very satisfying."

"The program was amazing, such a great opportunity. I'm so thankful and happy that I was able to be a part of it... I also learned a lot about myself and what I want to do for the rest of my life."

"Amazing, amazing program!"

"Not only does it build you as a writer, it builds you as a person."

"This program raised my confidence as a playwright..."

"I loved every single aspect of this program!!"

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PROGRAM DETAILS

All students accepted into the program will be on FULL SCHOLARSHIP. There is no fee whatsoever for those accepted into the program.

Acceptance into LEAP is based on the strength of writing samples that form part of the application process.

All students must have regular access to a computer with internet connection.

Successful candidates must arrange for their own transportation to and from the Arts Club for classes, readings, shows, etc.

Dates: Mid- November 2011 to March 2012

IN PERSON
Up to ten classes at the Arts Club with playwright Shawn Macdonald. Includes a tour of the company, meeting theatre professionals who work on new plays, and field trips to select productions at the Arts Club free of charge.

ONLINE
Full, unlimited, and secure access to the Interactive Classroom. Includes lectures, online discussions, and group feedback on work posted, classroom follow-up, and access to playwriting resources online.

PROFESSIONAL
Workshops and readings of the student playwrights' original plays by professional actors in a public reading at the Arts Club in February 2012.

FOLLOW-UP
Discussions on how to rewrite a play after a workshop or reading, how to submit a play to a theatre company, and information on international youth playwriting competitions and opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY Submit the following by email, by October 31, 2011. Students applying for the Levels I and II courses should be in the 16 to 18 age range. Level III applicants should be in the early stages of their college or university careers. LEVEL I 1-2 page sample of ANY writing you feel good about—a poem, essay, monologue, short scene, play, letter. It can be something you wrote a while ago or something brand new. Maximum 2 pages, 12-point font. A paragraph about you and why you'd like to participate in LEAP. Please include your age and where you go to school. Your phone number and email address. LEVEL II A scene or an excerpt from a play you've written. You can write a scene specifically for this application, or submit something that you've already written. Maximum 5 pages, 12-point font. Students applying for the Level II program must have some previous playwriting experience. A paragraph about you and why you'd like to participate in LEAP. Indicate your previous experience with playwriting. Please include your age and where you go to school. Your phone number and email address. LEVEL III Applicants must have written a play before, either a one-act or a full-length play. Please submit a 10-page writing sample of a play, 12-point font. A paragraph about you and why you’d like to participate in LEAP. Please include details of your playwriting history and experience. Include your age and where you’re attending school, if applicable. Your phone number and e-mail address. Deadline for applications is October 31, 2011. Applicants will be notified either way shortly thereafter. E-MAIL YOUR APPLICATION NOW

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM LEADER: Shawn Macdonald is an award-winning playwright and actor. His play Prodigal Son won the Jessie Award for Outstanding Original Script in 2006, and his play Demon Voice was produced by Touchstone Theatre in 2009. He co-wrote the comedies World's Greatest Guy and Fear Knot (with Gary Jones) for the Arts Club Theatre Company, and his newest play, Sister Judy, was commissioned by the Arts Club as part of the Silver Commissions Program.

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Generously supported by the RBC Foundation
and the Gerald and Sheahan McGavin Capital Grant to the Arts