Class

Beyond the Linear: Re-imagining Plot

Sometimes the stories we’re telling don’t fit the container we’re trying to put them in. But what other containers are there? This isn’t just a writing problem. Relying on one story structure limits the way we view reality, and conceive of what’s possible. By learning new narrative structures (aka plot aka what happens in what order), we'll explore new ideas for what's possible - in our writing and our world. In this workshop, students will read work from playwrights who use non-linear narrative structures. We will then do writing exercises centered around those narrative structures.

This class is geared towards playwrights, but all are welcome.

If you feel both trapped and unsupported by the concept of Beginning, Middle, and End this class is for you.

In this class, students will:
-leave with a better understanding of how structure works in service of the stories they are telling
-leave with a wide array of tools in their structure toolbox, and the confidence to invent more as needed
-have generated new writing in several different structural styles
-feel empowered to critically examine the structures of the stories they hear, whether in the news, in their head, or on the page

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.