Quebec Writers' Federation Workshops

Spring Session 2009

Develop your writing with the mentorship of an acclaimed professional writer and feedback from your peers.

Workshops take place at the QWF office, Suite 3, Atwater Library unless otherwise indicated.

MONOLOGUE BOOT CAMP: WRITE IT! DEVELOP IT! DELIVER IT!

Sunday, March 15, 3:00-7:00 p.m. / Friday, March 20, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. / Sunday, March 22, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Studio Off InterArts - 5145 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal
Workshop leader: Bryden MacDonald

This is an intensive exploration of the monologue for all writers and playwrights interested in exploring character development.

During 16 hours over the course of a week, participants will write, develop and present their own five-minute monologues. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory!

Concentrating on the complexities of revealing a character's subtext, this workshop is meant to help the participants "kick-start" their art and make their own work. First, through observation exercises, each participant will create a character. Then, using writing and improvisation exercises, that character will be developed. Then, a rigorous dramaturgical process will ensue, and finally, the participants will perform/read their monologues for other workshop participants. This is monologue "boot camp," an accelerated approach to the creative process.

To apply, please send an email to admin@qwf.org with a brief description of your writing life and an explanation of why you want to take this workshop. The subject line should read "Monologue Boot Camp." We will let you know whether you've been accepted well before the beginning of the workshop.

Bryden MacDonald is a director, playwright, dramaturge and teacher originally from Cape Breton Island. His work has been produced across Canada, in the U.S. and in Europe. His published plays (talonbooks) are Whale Riding Weather (shortlisted for Governor General's Award for Drama in 1994, nominated for Chalmers and Dora Awards), The Weekend Healer and Divinity Bash/Nine Lives. He is the creator of theatrical interpretations of the words and music of Leonard Cohen (Sincerely, A Friend), Carol Pope/Rough Trade (Shaking the Foundations), and Joni Mitchell (When All the Slaves are Free). His latest play, With Bated Breath, opens at Montreal's Centaur Theatre on April 21.

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