Reading Macbeth to Write: A Generative Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: Scott Repass

TIME: Six Sundays, January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. CST

PRICE: Early bird price: $210 for members, $240 for nonmembers. The deadline for early bird pricing is Monday, January 8. After Monday, January 8: $240 for members, $270 for nonmembers. Become a member here. Apply for a scholarship here.

LOCATION: Writespace, 1907 Sabine Street, #125, Houston, TX 77007 (map)

LEVEL: All levels

CAP: 10

Macbeth is one of the most enduring of Shakespeare’s tragedies. Harrowing, bloodcurdling, sometimes funny, and always psychologically real., Macbeth explores ambition, fate, sanity, even gender roles.

This class is an opportunity for us to examine Macbeth together, to take from it lessons we can use to make our own writing better, and to simply enjoy one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. Each week, participants will be expected to come to class having read one act, ready to discuss certain elements of fiction craft. I will provide generative exercises based on class discussions. The exercises will build on one another to form the rough draft of a story. In other words, if all goes well, by the end of the course, you will have a first draft of something new.

This course requires no background in Shakespeare, and all styles and genres are welcome. (Please note that I am not a playwright. Those wishing to write a play will have my full, enthusiastic support, but know that I will be helping you with the story elements.) We will read from our exercises each week and provide each other with oral feedback. I will also provide PDFs of craft essays and short stories for optional further reading.

This event is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. This project is generously funded by the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and Mid-America Arts Alliance.