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!
Novel Writing: The Hardest Part Is Getting Started
January 23, 30, February 6, 13 (2006)
6-8pm
Taught by Jillian Smith
For ages 14-18
I love being a writer. What I can't stand is the paperwork.
- Oscar Wilde
Do you have a book idea but aren't sure how to get started? Do you think you could write a fantastic book if only you could think of a great idea? This four week seminar will help you brainstorm new ideas and expand old ones. There will be writing exercises and editorial input to get your creative juices flowing. By workshop's end you will have your very own first chapter!
In the Beginning...
3 Monday sessions: January 22, 29, February 5 (2006)
6-8pm
Taught by 826NYC
For ages 8-11
Superheroes come in all types. Whether they acquire their powers through a bizarre accident or by birth, there is always a great story. In this workshop, you will develop your own superhero and tell their origin story. Experts will be on hand to guide your design, but the tale is up to you!
Talking Heads: A Puppet Play and Workshop
3 Sunday sessions: January 14, 21, 28 (2006)
12-2pm
Taught by Diana Schoenbrun and Jeff Hong
For ages 6-8
Why wear socks on your feet? Well of course to keep them warm, but have you ever wanted to make your socks talk? Do the opposite and wear them on your hands to entertain friends. Turn your stinky, smelly, holey, torn, and tattered socks into marvelous creations of your imagination. In this workshop you will work in a group to come up with characters and write a script. Then you will make your own one of a kind puppet from a sock and other crafty materials. Tada! In the end a play for family and friends will be performed. Everyone will be in awe at your playwriting and puppet making skills. Your sock just may make you famous... who knows?
Shaping a Story - FULL!
6 Wednesday sessions: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7 (2006)
6-8pm
Taught by Barbara Ensor
For ages 9-12
Like Wallace and Gromit? Have a knack for fake voices? Ever use Play-Doh? Then join us for a workshop during which we'll make a stop-animation movie with little more than clay, pipe cleaners, and a few fake voices. Over six weeks, your movie will literally take shape. Add some time for editing and production, and voila! You've made a movie.
Please note that students must attend all six sessions of this class. The movie will be edited once the workshop is over; 826NYC will notify students when a DVD of the movie is available for pickup.
A Very, Very, Very Fine House
1 Monday session: December 18 (2006)
6-7:30pm
Taught by 826NYC
For students ages 6-10
Fancy yourself an architect? Come to this workshop and write up a very, very, very fine plan to construct the perfect house using only graham crackers, egg whites, and (of course) candy. By the end of this class you'll walk out with a tiny model house, plus blueprints and a proposal for the real thing.
Write Your Own Adventure
3 Tuesday sessions: December 5, 12, 19 (2006)
6-8pm
Taught by Jenna Duncan
For ages 8-11
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not take both..." But what if you could take both? During this class, we'll create one-of-a-kind choose your own adventure stories complete with quirky characters and surprising plot twists. Come to the first session armed with strange conflicts and unexpected endings.
