Writers Week: Summer Writing & Theatre for Teens

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 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.

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.

Can my student receive school credit?

We do not offer college credit for this program, though, if requested, we can send a letter to your student’s school confirming their participation in our summer program.

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.

Are scholarships available for Writers Week?

Limited scholarships are available to Yonkers Public School students, made possible by our partnership with the Yonkers Public Schools. Please contact your student’s principal for more details, or email the Writing Institute at writinginstitute@sarahlawrence.edu.

Virtual Session: $1,095 ($250 deposit)

On Campus Session: $1,750 ($250 deposit)

On Campus Session includes daily lunch & snacks

Deposit due at time of registration. Tuition remainder is due three weeks before the program begins. Deposits are non-refundable.