We offer free evening and weekend workshops designed to foster creativity, strengthen writing skills, and provide students with a forum for executing projects they might not otherwise have the support to undertake. Workshops range from the playful to the practical, and all are taught by volunteer writers, artists, educators, and publishing professionals.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased demand, enrollment for workshops are now determined by lottery. Once you have signed up for a workshop, please look for an email from workshops@826nyc.org, verifying that we have received your request. If you have not heard from us after 48 hours, feel free to call.
Our workshops are limited enrollment and often generate wait lists. With this in mind, please only sign up if you can make every session of a workshop. Thank you!
Monsters, Mayhem, and Merriment (Oh My!)
3 Sunday sessions: February 28, March 7, 14 (2010)
12-1:30pm
Taught by 826NYC
For ages 6-8
Has the monster under your bed been keeping you awake at night with his snoring? Do you wonder why your mom hasn't asked you about the slime all over her hardwood floors? Does your best friend have six eyes, and answer to the name "Gigantor?" If you are reading this and vigorously nodding your head YES, then come join us at 826NYC for a literary Monster-bash, where you can bring your favorite monsters to life. Feel free to bring your monster or imaginary friend (as long as they are both housebroken)...
Please, no zombies need apply.
And Then The Lights Went Out
4 Tuesday sessions: February 23, March 2, 9, 16 (2010)
6-7:30pm
Taught by Nathan Schreiber and Chris Sinderson
For ages 10-14
You've finished your homework, brushed your teeth, and are all tucked into bed. And then the lights go out. What fantastic (or boring) adventure takes place before you get up to go to school? Your comic will tell it all!
This workshop will help each student create their own four page comic book story. We will explore how to visually tell a story using the processes of a professional cartoonist. The first week, we will brainstorm story ideas, sketch page layouts, and explore character design. The second and third weeks will focus on penciling what you see in your head and lettering your story. The final week we will put the finishing touches on our drawings by adding some color. No drawing experience required, just a healthy imagination!
Project Superhero
3 Sunday sessions: January 24, 31, February 7 (2010)
12-1:30pm
Taught by Lisa O'Toole
For ages 6-8
Every superhero has a unique origin story - and a unique look! Both of these things help our heroes battle foes and stand out in the super crowd. Where did your superhero find her/his powers? Does s/he use a utility belt, a mask to hide an identity, or a rocket-propelled backpack?
In this workshop you'll answer these questions and more - by writing your own original superhero story and designing a unique, fabulous super costume!
Roll for Initiative: Create Your Own Role-Playing Game
5 Thursday sessions: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 (2010)
6-8pm
Taught by 826NYC
For ages 10-14
Help Wanted: Intrepid adventurers needed for quest through mysterious tower. Applicants must be motivated self-starters with some skill in magic, sword-fighting, or thieving arts (or some combination of the above). Although the salary is less-than-desirable, you are allowed to take home any gold and/or magical artifacts you may find during your time here. Vivid imaginations a must. We are not responsible for any loss of life, limb, or sanity. Non-humans are welcome to apply, though shiftless gnomes will be considered on a case by case basis.
The rest of the story is up to you.
Picture This: Images as Inspiration
1 Monday sessions: December 7, 14 (2009)
6-7:30pm
Taught by Chrissy Corrigan, Stefanie Robert & Wei-Ling Woo
For ages 9-12
A picture really is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to this workshop! Image and text will unite as we examine a stimulating selection of paintings and photographs, famous and obscure alike, and what they mean to us. We'll spend two sessions crafting our own unique stories based on the images of others. These impressions will eventually inspire original artwork. Acting as authors, artists, and curators, we'll design a multimedia collection that's both innovative and interactive. MoMA, here we come!
All in the Family: Documentary Poetry
3 Thursday sessions: December 3, 10, 17 (2009)
6-7:30pm
Taught by Claire Donato
For ages 10 and up
How can we make poetry by exploring the language of our family stories? Stories can be a place we visit, and poetry can help us explore the places we remember. When we retell a story, we take our place in it. This retelling can bring us closer to our loved ones.
In this workshop we'll write poetry based on an interview with a family member. During our first class, we'll discuss how to get the most out of an interview and read published poems based on family stories. You'll attend the second class with a family member whom you'll interview in 826's recording studio. During the last class, you'll retell your family member's story using poetry collage techniques. The class will culminate in the production of a chapbook of your work to share with your family.
