When Students Teach: Creating Solo Performances from Transformative Moments in the Classroom

Has a student or classroom moment ever really stuck with you? Dare I say, changed your life? What do you do with them? In this masterclass series, actor, dramaturg, and playwright Leayne Dempsey walks you through a process of transforming meaningful classroom experiences into powerful solo performances. You’ll learn how to shape your story, develop your narrative, and bring it to life on stage.  The series also includes tickets to two professional solo performances.

Participants will engage in:

• Writing workshops to develop their solo scripts based on their classroom experiences

• Performance coaching, focusing on voice, movement, and narrative delivery

• Collaborative feedback sessions with peers and guest artists

The goal is to equip teachers with the skills to craft and perform their own solo pieces, transforming their day-to-day teaching into a narrative art form that can be shared with broader audiences.

Session Dates

• January, 12, 2025, 11:30 am - 4:00 pm - In Person

• January, 15, 2025, 7:30 - 8:30 pm - Virtual Check In

• January, 19, 2025, 2:00 - 3:30 pm - In Person

• January, 22, 2025, 7:30 - 8:30 pm - Virtual Check In

• February, 16, 2025, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - In Person

• March/April Hybrid Private Coaching Sessions (TBA)

• May, 4, 2025, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - In Person

• May, 18, 2025, 2:30 - 4:30 pm - In Person

• June 1, 2025, 1:00 - 4:00 pm - Final Performance and Reception

*You must commit to attending all in-person and virtual sessions to be considered. The in-person workshops will be held in various theatre locations in Maryland. All virtual sessions will take place over Zoom. A link will be provided closer to the event to accepted participants.