The First Draft

Whether you’re writing your first play or your hundredth, it’s not always easy to set the creative wheels into motion. This 10-week class will guide you through the development of your first draft, providing concrete deadlines, constructive feedback, and a collaborative environment that will encourage you to get your ideas on the page. You will learn to put the process of playwriting before the product by continuously bringing in new pages, hearing them read aloud in class, and engaging in a discussion with your instructor and fellow writers. This class is geared toward writers of all levels who want to refine their skills, work with artistic peers, and ultimately finish a full-length play.

Section A:
Heidi Schreck (Writer, There Are No More Big Secrets at Rattlestick)

Mondays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6

Section B:
Lucy Thurber (Writer, Scarcity at Atlantic Theater Co.)

Mondays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 23, 30, August 13, 20

Section C:
Rogelio Martinez (Writer, Wanamaker’s Pursuit at Arden Theater Co.)

Tuesdays from 10:00am – 1:00pm
June 5, 12, 19, July 3, 10, 24, 31, August 7, 21, 28

Section D:
Julian Sheppard (Writer, Los Angeles at The Flea Theater)

Tuesdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14

Section E:
Tessa LaNeve (Literary Manager and Director of ESPA, Primary Stages)

Wednesdays from 10:00am – 1:00pm
June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15

Section F:
Molly Smith Metzler (Writer, Close Up Space at Manhattan Theatre Club)

Thursdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23

Section G:
Cusi Cram (Writer, A Lifetime Burning at Primary Stages, Showtime's “The Big C")

Wednesdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
June 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22

Section H:
Kara Lee Corthron (Writer, Julius By Design at Fulcrum Theater)

Tuesdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm

June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28

This class is also available online! For more information, see Online Classes.

Pricing:

Returning Students: $540

New Students: $580

For more information on multi-class discounts and pricing information for all classes, CLICK HERE.

For more information or with questions, please call 212.840.9705 or email espa@primarystages.org.

ESPA: AN INSIDE LOOK

Writer Micheline Auger sheds light on the student experience at ESPA.