Summer Class 2024: Script Writing (Screen & Play)
Class Description
This course teaches students the basics of world building, character and storyline, and how to use a script writing format to emulate their stories for the stage or screen. They will explore different perspectives and genres through a visual lens and create their own short screenplay or play. As well as getting the chance to talk to a guest speaker, receive feedback on their work, and pitch their scripts and ideas to their peers!
Class Summary
Students will learn, practice, and share a variety of script writing techniques culminating in a challenge to utilize these elements via a 5-10 page script.
Topics covered:
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Narrative Story/Writing Perspective
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World Building/Setting
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Creating Characters
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Playwriting vs. Screenwriting/Exploring types of Visual Media
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Formatting
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Short Story/Prompts/Sharing your Work
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Throughout the class, students will participate in activities which will help them establish point of view, develop characters, describe settings and directions, understand the medium, and learn formatting skills. Their culminating scripts will include all of these and will be presented to the class and parents with a chance to receive feedback from their peers and instructors.
Students will participate in instructor-led and supervised lessons with activities during online sessions. They will then have the rest of the day to write at their own pace, applying the skills taught in class to their projects.
Meet Your Instructors
Mari Evans
Hi, my name is Mari! I am a junior in the Theater Academy at Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts. I have been writing stories and short plays for my friends and myself to perform since I was in 1st grade! I have participated in the Young Playwrights for Change Competition with my short stage plays and am on the board of both the Theatrical Leadership Council and International Thespians Society Troupe at my school. I also won best actress for Freshman and Sophomore year in our Theater Academy Drama Awards! Currently I am working on a full length musical script which is being workshopped! I am excited to work with the students to help and inspire young minds to keep creating and innovating, especially in the art of writing/scriptwriting! A fun fact about me is I have three pet chickens, and I love animals in general!
Emmett Lee
Hi! My name is Emmett Lee, and I am a junior at Alhambra High School. I have been creating stories since third grade and I am now writing a short film screenplay! While exploring the filmmaking side of storytelling, I’ve been involved in the Get Lit Creative Camp where I wrote numerous poems as well as adapted one into a short film. I’ve also founded and am the president of my school’s Film Club where I organize meetings and decide upon the directions the club should follow. Our most recent project was a PSA on distracted driving, a script which I also wrote. I am an active member of my school’s speech and debate club which has taught me so much about thinking under pressure. I am excited to see the direction YAA goes in as well as the amazing pieces of writing that will be created by our students!
Guest Speaker
Mystic Xu Inscho
Mystic Xu Inscho is a talented actor based in Los Angeles, recognized for his role as Reynie Muldoon in the Disney+ series The Mysterious Benedict Society and also recently appeared in the Netflix film Your Place or Mine. Mystic's diverse artistic pursuits include dancing, singing, and playing multiple instruments such as the piano, guitar, and drums. In his early career, Mystic distinguished himself with lead roles in local musical theater productions across the San Francisco Bay Area, including Tarzan, A Christmas Carol, and Annie. At the age of nine, he was cast as Zack Mooneyham, the lead guitarist, in the first Broadway National Tour of School of Rock where he toured the US for more than ten months. In addition to his acting and touring experience, Mystic is a music artist with a growing presence in the industry. His singles, "Never Meant to Be" and "I Should Know Better," have gained thousands of streams on Spotify. Mystic will share his knowledge of the film/entertainment industry and give his tips on what makes a great and memorable script.
