The Playwright's Toolbox: CANCELLED

Selwyn Community Education is based at Selwyn College, Kohimarama, Auckland.

This course runs on Sunday 18 August 9 AM - 5 PM as part of our 2019 Writer's Weekend.

My Playwright Toolbox workshop offers non-stop inspiring writing exercises and activities, in a supportive group environment. Playwrights of all levels, including those who are new to the craft, will leave feeling energized and motivated to write, with a host of new go-to tips and tricks which can be applied to any work-in-progress; or used as a jumping-off point for a new piece of work.

​We will explore the art of storytelling, narrative structure, character function and creation, the exploitation of arena and key tricks and devices for writing successful narrative and dialogue. Without the focus of working towards a finished piece of writing, or the deadline of a showcase performance; this workshop will challenge you and arm you with tips, tricks, and exercises to aid your writing process.

Typical course outline:
- How to get past 'Writer's block'
- Trimming the fat - when to stop talking!
- Arena as character - what's in a location?
- Drama and conflict - raising the stakes
- Getting to know you - understanding our characters
- Talking dialogue - keeping it real!

Sessions are supported by visual aids including paper handouts and often screenings of useful interviews, scenes from plays and character studies. We'll take an hour's lunch break in the middle of the day so please bring your lunch and enjoy mingling with other coursegoers.

About Paul Kalburgi
In 2015 I was awarded Master of Arts (Writing for Screen & Stage) with distinction by Regent’s University, London. I was also delighted to be the recipient of the Postgraduate Student Prize.

Playwriting credits include; In The Tall Grass (Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Dallas) Maxine (Stockwell Playhouse, London & Time Square Art Center, New York), Almost The Birthday Party (Etcetera Theatre, London), MCN TV (Brockley Jack Theatre, London), Tickled Pink! (Battersea Barge, London), Jack & The Beanstalk (Touring, UK & Ireland) and The Countess (Blue Elephant Theatre, London).

My backstage musical comedy, Broadway or Bust (book, music, and lyrics), will receive its world premiere production in August 2019 - produced by Pegasus Theatre, Dallas; at the Bath House Cultural Center. I am currently working on another new musical, Vegas With A V (book and lyrics) - a collaboration with Kevan Frost (Tony Award, Olivier Award and Drama Desk Award-nominated composer of Taboo, West End & Broadway).

Alongside my own writing projects, I continue to facilitate playwriting courses and verbatim technique workshops as a teaching artist in theatres and educational institutions.

I am a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America.

Opening Address 17 August: You are invited to attend our opening address at 9am on Saturday 17 August. Carole Beu from the Womens Bookshop will fire up the day with an early morning talk on her raves and faves. Have a cuppa, listen to Carole and meet others.

Our Mission: To provide quality, affordable, adult and lifelong learning opportunities which empower individuals in their personal lives and as members of society.