Title
Creative tools for use with student writers, performers and filmmakers: Putting storytelling at the heart of creativity

Workshop description
This workshop for educators of all age divisions will explore how to utilise the ‘rules’ of screenwriting in devised theatre, original filmmaking and creative writing projects across any genre. It will provide both individual and collaborative approaches that can be used to improve a student’s original creative written work. General topics will include narrative structure, character development and storytelling. We will also look at specifics such as strong beginnings, working with universal themes, endings, avoiding cliches, upping the dramatic stakes, planning and plotting, working with subtext, variation of pace and creating backstory.

Area of Learning: The World of Theatre
The world of theatre is an area of our work which explores theatre making. In this area our aim is to develop skills and understandings of areas such as directing, performing, playwriting, technical theatre etc. This area also incorporates related art forms such as dance, digital art, film and music.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will explore narrative structure, character development and creative writing.

Leaving the session with:

• A range of tools and exercises to inspire students.
• A deeper understanding of 3 act structure.
• Knowledge of cause and effect storytelling.
• The ability to ask a student what the story is really about.
• In depth writing skills to pass on.
• Methods for getting students excited about creative projects and helping to steer them towards a drafting and redrafting process.
• Fresh insight into what makes an exciting and engaging protagonist.
• An understanding of how character group dynamics work.
• A wider understanding of backstory and biography.
• Knowledge of what causes the equivalent of student ‘writer’s block’ in all art forms.
• Techniques to help students with dialogue.
• Expertise in teasing out messages and provocative thought in all creative projects.
• An exploration of what ‘is not being said.’

Target Audience
Teachers of creative writing, theatre and/or film PS, MS and HS

Level
Introductory

Ian Pike
A full-time, freelance writer, director and workshop leader. Ian was born in Zimbabwe and trained as an actor. He then worked as a stand-up before creating his own series in animation, comedy and drama as well as working on long running programmes both in prime time and for children. Ian has recently been a writer on the satirical comedy series, Have I Got News For You, has an original sitcom in development with James Corden’s production company and has been running workshops and programmes in schools and universities all over the world.

His particular specialism has been taking the rules of screenwriting into theatre, film and creative writing departments in schools and universities across the globe. Both online and face to face. Leaving students and teachers with a deeper understanding of the difference between effective storytelling over unrelated moments in character’s lives.

Venue
Dulwich College Singapore

Event Manager
Keriann O’Rourke

Workshop Time
Thursday, 23rd February, 2023
4:30-7:30 pm SST [Singapore Standard Time]

Places are limited to 25 participants.

ISTA Members: GBP £110
Non members: GBP £135

Registration fee includes all materials and a refreshment break.

Please note that once booked and invoiced the registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable as per our event terms and conditions.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. A notebook and pencil are always useful.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.