Virtual Session: July 6 - 10, 2026
On Campus Session 1: July 20 - 24, 2026
On Campus Session 2: August 3 - 7, 2026
Register online
Since 1999, Writers Week at Sarah Lawrence College has offered creative young people an immersive week-long experience with creative writing and the performance arts.
Each day, participants attend writing and theatre workshops led by prose writers, poets, and performance artists. Included in the week are mini-workshops taught by program faculty, graduate students and guest artists. Rooted in the Sarah Lawrence College tradition of one-on-one interaction, the program offers students the opportunity to meet in small groups with workshop leaders. The program also includes faculty and student readings and a celebration of student work on the final day of the program. Classes are limited to 18 students, with two teaching artists per workshop.
We welcome students entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grades the following fall. Students must be age 14 or older at the start of the program. Participants in Writers Week 2026 are eligible to earn one (1) college credit.
In 2026, there are three sessions of Writers Week: two on-campus sessions and one virtual session. Please note that the on-campus program is a day program (non-residential).
Writers Week 2026: Three Sessions Available
Writers Week – Virtual
July 6 to July 10, 2026
Writers Week – On Campus
Session One: July 20 to July 24, 2026
Session Two: August 3 to August 7, 2026
The Writer's Workshop
Creative writing is at the heart of Writers Week. Each day begins with a dedicated writing workshop, creating a collaborative environment for writers to try new genres, discuss craft elements and explore their voice on the page. Led by two MFA Writing Graduate Students, the writing workshop consists of generative writing prompts across genres, opportunities to share work in progress, and collaborative creative exercises. We strive to meet each writer where they’re at, empowering them to trust their creative instincts and take risks on the page. The workshop is informed by contemporary and classic texts, as well as guest author talks, pop culture and students’ interests. Workshops may discuss craft elements for genres including speculative fiction, poetry, memoir, novel writing, flash fiction, romance, fantasy and more. At the end of the week, each writer can expect to have a host of new ideas to write about, craft techniques to explore, and genuine encouragement on their writing style.
The Writer's Theatre
The work of the writer and theatre professional are similar—both investigate storytelling, character performance, narrative, and more. When studied together, these two related disciplines can produce holistic and more informed writers capable of creating work that reaches broad audiences. In this course, the creative process is explored in an intuitive and spontaneous fashion through improvisation, group projects, and games. Faculty and students participate together to give form and shape to both individual and collective expression. No prior theatre experience is necessary. Students select their theatre specialty. Sample theatre workshops include: Screenwriting, Comedy Sketch Writing, Musical songwriting, Playwriting, and more.
Student Testimonials
Insightful information and activities that expanded my horizons and inspired me!
It was amazing! Fun, yet still productive and educational.
My instructors were so great! I loved the writing exercises—they made me step out of my comfort zone. I also loved that my teachers were so understanding and made sure to give us breaks and chances to chat and get to know each other better throughout camp.
I loved how my writing instructors brought me out of my comfort zone yet still helped make me feel safe in this environment. I got to experiment with a lot of genres, shared my own writing, and became inspired by hearing peers' work.
I didn't think I could do improv or a comedy routine, but my instructor made that possible. I had so much fun laughing with everyone in this class and realized that improv is not as difficult as I had initially believed. I also found out that I could be funny (something that I had doubted before). Our instructor also made sure everyone felt safe and that no one was making inappropriate jokes, and I appreciated that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the one college credit earned for this program transferable?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be granted one credit by Sarah Lawrence College. This can be used towards a bachelor's degree at Sarah Lawrence or it can be transferred to another institution at the discretion of that institution. If you have a particular institution in mind, please check with them beforehand to confirm that they will accept transfer credits.
Will my student have homework?
Students typically do not receive homework, but may be asked to come prepared for the next class with fresh ideas. It is important to note that each workshop is run independently and the work they will be asked to do is dependent on the faculty members.
Does my student need to be an advanced writer?
This program is for anyone who has a desire to become a writer—to discover or fine tune the skills they already have. Whether the student is a beginner or an advanced writer, the faculty works with each student to create and move toward individual goals in a supportive, noncompetitive environment.
What is the theatre component of the program?
In The Writer’s Theatre workshops, the creative process is explored in an intuitive and spontaneous fashion through improvisation, group projects, and games. Faculty and students participate together to give form and shape to both individual and collective expression. No prior theatre experience is necessary.
Who are the instructors for the program?
Our courses are taught by dedicated education professionals and Master of Fine Arts Writing Program and Theatre Program candidates from Sarah Lawrence College. We also have a large support staff available to you and your student to assist with any questions that may arise.
Program Costs for 2026
Virtual Session: $1,195 ($250 deposit due at registration)
On Campus Session: $1,950 ($250 deposit due at registration); includes daily lunch and snacks
Writers Week is sponsored by The Writing Institute and the Sarah Lawrence College Theatre Program.