Playwriting for Devising Processes (Fall 2020)

Playwriting for Devising Processes

Sep 05 - Oct 17
1:00pm - 4:00pm Central Time

Instructor: Olivia Lilley

In this course, you will learn how to refine your concept, assemble a team, and write for or with an ensemble. I will take you through every step from identifying the story you'd like to tell, figuring out who should tell it with you, assembling your team in a respectful and intentional way, and creating collective agreements. I will also introduce you to some tools and exercises for generating work. In the final days of the class, you will have the opportunity to reflect with our group on your first rehearsal (via social distance or through Zoom), which will happen outside of the classroom. This course combines the skills you need from producing and directing to begin making the work you want. 

Olivia Lilley is a playwright, director, deviser, and producer who came up in Chicago's DIY scene. She uses a devised process to create and develop her plays that she's been honing since 2013. Olivia's work often ransacks classics (films, plays, novels) or non fiction with a collective and builds a new story for the current moment. Olivia fights American perfectionism by telling stories about complex and messy characters, subverting tropes, and giving alternate endings to women who are traditionally tragic. She often collaborates with choreographer Kelly Anderson. Olivia is Artistic Director of Prop Thtr. She was the founding Artistic Director of The Runaways Lab Theatre (Voted Best New Theatre Company in the Chicago Reader's Best of 2014) and currently sits on their advisory board. She's an Artistic Associate at Pivot Arts, and she's curated at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She's the Creative Director of Pop Magic Productions. Olivia’s feature screenplay “The Snowpeople” was selected for Full Spectrum Features Producers’ Lab 2020. Her short "Amanda" was a Semifinalist for Camera Ambassador's Community Builders Grant. Olivia attended Carnegie Mellon School of Drama for Directing, and Interlochen Arts Academy for Music Composition.

Classes will be held via Zoom. Instructors will send out Zoom invites one day before class begins. We encourage students to setup a Zoom account for themselves before class if they have not already to ensure when class begins you are able to jump straight into the art!

Fall Discount Codes are not applicable for this course.  Network and Membership Discounts still apply.