Writopia Lab

Writopia Lab is a non-profit[1] creative writing program for kids and teens ages 4–18.

Founded in 2007[2] by Rebecca Wallace-Segall, Writopia integrates a student-centered methodology into the workshop, where each student sets his or her own goals with the guidance of the instructor, and is encouraged to finish a full piece of writing by the end of the workshop period. Most Writopia students attend workshops at Writopia's main locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Washington DC,[2] Chicago, and Los Angeles. Workshops held at Writopia's main locations cost a fee on an honor-based sliding scale fee system. Writopia also runs free writing workshops offered throughout the New York Public Library, including the Edenwald branch, the 115th Street branch, the Throg's Neck Library, the Francis Martin branch, and Clason's Point Library. Writopia also runs writing workshops for children who reside at Homes for the Homeless "inns."[3] In addition, Writopia runs free college essay workshops in partnership with Bryant Park[4] and with the Office of The Mayor/NYC Service. Writopia Lab serves as a community partner to Scholastic Writing Awards in New York, and Writopia DC[5] and Writopia Westchester serve as affiliates to the Scholastic Writing Awards in those areas, administering the local recognition programs and ceremonies. Notable authors of Writopia Lab's Advisory Council include Nicole Krauss,[6] Susan Cain, Steve Young (writer),[7] and Stephen Dubner.[8]

Worldwide Plays Festival

Writopia also runs the Worldwide Plays Festival each year, funded by David Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants. This monthly festival culminates in a week of off-broadway showcases.[9][10][11][12] Each play chosen for production throughout the year was written by a student and then produced, directed and performed by theatre professionals. The festival was initiated by playwright Daniel Kitrosser in 2010 and won financial support from Worldwide Pants in 2011. Worldwide Pants donated $50,000 in 2011,[13] again in 2012, and $60,000 in 2013.

References
  1. "Letter from Inland Revenue Service confirming non-tax status" (PDF). Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  2. Kelly, John (27 February 2013). "Once upon a time. . . young writers put on the prose". Washington Post. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  3. Linek, Katie. "Uncensored "The Write Stuff"" (PDF). Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  4. "Bryant Park Blog: Writing Workshops for Teens in the Reading Room". 12 September 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  5. Shapiro, Joseph (June 13, 2013). "Amid Dropping Test Scores, Teen Writers' Creativity Soars : NPR". NPR. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  6. "Nicole Krauss (final cut) - YouTube". Youtube.com. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  7. "Letterman Writer's Endorsement of Writopia Lab - YouTube". Youtube.com. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  8. "Stephen Dubner (final cut) - YouTube". Youtube.com. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  9. "Writopia Lab's Worldwide Plays Festival show listing". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  10. Shaughnessy, Kristen (May 2012). "Weekend Feature: Young Playwrights Get Works Performed At Festival". NY1. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  11. Cruz, David (8 May 2013). "Bronx Neighbors: Zania Cousins". Bronx Times-Reporter. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  12. Hammill, Luke (11 May 2013). "13-Year-Old Playwright Awaits His Big Night". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  13. Barron, James (16 May 2011). "A Festival Where Playwriting Youth Is Served". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 May 2013.

External


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