DISCOVERING HISTORY, EMPTY SPACE ROUNDTABLE Set for Ensemble Stage-Wrights Workshop in 2013

Ensemble Stage-Wrights Workshop has announced its 2013 Workshops: "Discovering History: The Playwright's Journey" and "An Empty Space Roundtable". Details below!

Discovering History: The Playwright's Journey

The "History" workshops will be partnered with Ensemble's first production of the new year, "The Gospel According to James" by Charles Smith, Ensemble Advisory Board Member, and Head of the Professional Playwriting Program at Ohio University. "The Gospel According to James" was commissioned by the Indiana Repertory Theatre, and is based on historical events in Marion, Indiana in 1930 made infamous by the Lawrence Beitler Photograph. The workshops will address the journey of a play from conception to production by following the creation of "The Gospel" from commission to successful final product with notes and insights from the playwright Charles Smith and Ensemble Dramaturg, Tyler Whidden.

10 Minutes to History

January 8th-February 26th (Tuesdays 7pm-9pm) (8 weeks)
Ensemble's Stage-Wrights, will offer a "10 minute" playwriting workshop focusing on Cleveland or Ohio Historical Events. A staged showcase will be presented at the completion of the class. ($125)

One Act History

January 12th- March 2nd (Saturdays 3pm-5pm) (8 weeks)
Stage-Wrights will offer an advanced "One Act" class focusing on Cleveland or Ohio historical events. Readings of completed works will be organized during the Colombi New Plays Festival in March. ($125)

Introducing Ensemble Director of Education/ Resident Dramaturg: Tyler Whidden
Tyler is a Cleveland-born playwright, actor, and director. After receiving his BFA in Playwriting from Ohio University, he traveled the country as a stand-up comedian before moving to Chicago. While in the Windy City, Tyler worked with Victory Gardens and The Neo-Futurists theaters, honing his craft. He recently earned his MFA from Goddard College and lives in Cleveland. His play "Dancing with NED" had its world premiere at Ensemble in March 2012.

An 'Empty Space' Roundtable

(January 14th- February 18th, 7pm-9:30pm) (6weeks)

This workshop will discuss interpreting a work for the stage and the mechanics of script analysis. We will use Peter Brook's theory in "The Empty Space: A Book About the Theatre: Deadly, Holy, Rough, Immediate" as a jumping off point to provide a common vocabulary and context necessary for growth in the Professional Theatrical world as a Playwright, Actor, Director, Designer or Administrator. We will read "The Iceman Cometh" by Eugene O'Neill and use Brook's theories to provide context and a new framework for discussions on mounting re-interpretations of Modern American Classic Plays. No experience is necessary. You do not have to be a writer to participate in this discussion-based workshop. Actors and Directors are encouraged to enroll. A copy of Peter Brook's "The Empty Space" and a copy of Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh" are included in the class fee. ($125) Taught by Ian Hinz, Director of the Ensemble Production of "The Iceman Cometh" by Eugene O'Neill opening April 19th.

For more information, call 216-321-2930 or email education@ensemble-theatre.org. You can purchase online at www.ensemble-theatre.org under the education tab.

*Work/Study available on a case by case basis*