PLAYWRITING FOR ACTORS CLASS
An 8-Week Class Exclusively for Actors
Playwriting for Actors is a class—not a traditional playwriting workshop.
In a playwriting workshop, writers generally bring in material they have already written to be read aloud, discussed, revised, and developed. Playwriting for Actors follows a structured teaching syllabus that introduces actors to the fundamental principles of storytelling and dramatic writing.
Actors already understand many of the forces that bring a play to life: conflict, action, objectives, relationships, given circumstances, and the pursuit of what is urgently needed. This class builds upon that practical knowledge and applies fundamental principles of Stanislavski and Meisner to the creation of original, active, and playable dramatic material grounded in truthful human behavior and the reality of doing.
Through instruction, guided writing assignments, readings, in-class exercises, and the study of established playwrights, students will explore:
Particular attention will be given to writing material in which characters pursue something specific, necessary, and urgent—and in which every choice can be brought fully to life by an actor. Students will learn to think not only as writers, but also as actors, creating circumstances, relationships, and dramatic actions that can be lived truthfully in performance.
As part of the learning process, students will hear their work read aloud by fellow actors. They will discover how listening to a script in performance can reveal what comes alive, what remains unclear, and what may need to be rewritten.
By the end of the eight weeks, each student will have developed an original monologue and a complete short play.
From the Page to the Stage
The class is offered in association with Chelsea Repertory Company and its free monthly Playwriting, Acting, and Directing LABS.
After completing the class, students may bring their work into the Playwriting LAB for further reading, discussion, rewriting, and development. Selected plays may continue through the Chelsea Rep LAB process, where they are cast with actors from Chelsea Repertory Company and the Studio LAB, assigned a director, and developed through rehearsal in preparation for private LAB readings and public workshop presentations at the Studio.
Each producing season, selected works may also be presented in Chelsea Repertory Company’s annual SUMMERFEST: One-Act Play Festival, giving emerging playwrights the opportunity to experience the development of their work from the written page through rehearsal and performance.
No previous playwriting experience is required. Students should expect to devote approximately three hours each week to writing outside of class and must be willing to have their work read aloud and discussed in a supportive, constructive classroom environment. Upon completion, students may participate in Playwriting Workshop at an insiders rate of $240 / session.
Prerequisite: Basic actor training and familiarity with realistic acting principles: Stanislavski, Meisner, Adler, etc.| Session: | Term | Instructor | Day | Hours | Begins | Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 8 weeks | Anne Phelan | Sun | 2:00-5:00 pm | Oct 4 | $400 |
