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Writing Workshops
Workshop Goals
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to excite participants about writing and art in general
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to simplify the creation process to something everyone can do
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to inspire new art and great character at the same time
45 minutes – 1 hour long.
Can be adapted for elementary, junior high or high school students.
The following is a description of how Peter opens the door for kids to get excited about learning like never before and start writing on their own.
Introduction to the New - Begins with an intro performance piece, one of Peter’s own that doesn’t ascribe to the normal rules of poetry. Examples include “Carrot Top”, “Rashi & Me”, “Skrickawocka”, or others, depending on the age, culture and/or maturity level of the group.
Short, interactive discussion about what the group liked/didn’t like, what made the piece powerful, poetic elements, writing tips, etc… Peter discusses the power of art and the responsibility of the artist with that power. Group begins to open up and starts to feel comfortable thinking about the possibilities of this new take on writing.
Reinvigorating Traditional Writing - Peter has someone read a historical poem, most often “Flanders Fields” (a World War I poem written in iambic pentameter). After everyone agrees this poem is boring, Peter re-performs the piece, making it come alive. The group is in awe.
Another discussion about the history and setting behind the piece, how long it took to write, how the author wrote it and what that means to the group. Peter stresses the simplicity and power of everyday things that surround us. The group begins to feel that they could write something themselves.
Awakening New Artists - Peter picks 3 or 4 instantly recognizable words from the surroundings and writes them on the board. The group is then told that they have 10-15 minutes to write their own piece using all these words. Everyone is encouraged not to try to make it perfect, but to have fun and write whatever comes to mind.
Peter has individuals perform their pieces. The number depends on the size of class and time allowed. At the end of each piece, he identifies at least one powerful quality the individual used in his or her writing. The whole group is empowered.
Inspiration – Peter closes with encouragement to keep going. He usually performs one of his pieces, depending on the time left. Most common examples include “No One Told Me”, “Nasal Man News”, “The Most Amazing Slam Poet”, etc… Everyone leaves feeling like writing could be the coolest thing ever.
Cost: $1500 for a full day of workshops means that Peter can pay for his rent and bills plus take vacations and think about having a family. $500 + travel costs is the minimum Peter needs to pay his rent and buy food. If you still can't afford that contact him, and he'll find a way to work things out. Money has never been the reason a workshop didn't work out. Oh, and the cost of one workshop is the same as a full day of Peter getting students to love writing like never before.
Dramatic Workshops
Workshop Goals
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to excite participants about performance and art in general
- to empower students with the understanding of dramatic elements
- to inspire new art and great character at the same time
45 minutes – 1 hour long
Passion - Begins with an intro performance piece, one of Peter’s own that shows off his dramatic intensity. Examples include “Rashi & Me”, “Harley Girl”, “Oklahoma Rock”, or others, depending on the age, culture and/or maturity level of the group.
Short, interactive discussion about what the group liked/didn’t like, what made the piece powerful, necessary dramatic elements for good performance, etc… Peter discusses the power of art, what makes art and the responsibility of the artist with that power. The group begins to open up and recognizes that he knows what he’s talking about.
Silence/Romance – Peter performs another one of his pieces, only this time, one that is much more subdued. Examples include “Still We”, “Rain”, “Night Longings”.
Another discussion about how silence draws an audience in and causes them to listen. Peter encourages them to think of performances they’ve seen that utilize this technique. Peter stresses the simplicity and power of everyday things that surround us. The group begins to see their own potential.
Contrast/Vulnerability – Peter performs one of his pieces that has high contrast and includes his own mistakes, weaknesses and failings. Examples include, “The Most Amazing Slam Poet”, “George”, “Size Matters”, “Would You Come With Me”, etc…
Peter asks the group what made the piece so moving. A discussion ensues on the power of vulnerability when combined with confidence. He leads them to explore the limits to vulnerability and the need for self-awareness of the performer. An accessible door is opened to powerful, life-impacting performance.
Inspiration – Peter closes with encouragement to keep going. He usually performs one of his pieces, depending on the time left. Most common examples include “No One Told Me”, “Nasal Man News”, “#27”, etc… Everyone leaves having seen possibilities they hadn’t seen before.
Cost: $1500 for a full day of workshops means that Peter can pay for his rent and bills plus take vacations and think about having a family. $500 + travel costs is the minimum Peter needs to pay his rent and buy food. If you still can't afford that contact him, and he'll find a way to work things out. Money has never been the reason a workshop didn't work out. Oh, and the cost of one workshop is the same as a full day of Peter getting students to love writing like never before. |
