Writing Camp 4-5: Playwrights Studio
Summer Language Arts
Schedule in 2026
This course is a must for upper-elementary students looking to advance their writing techniques and build high-level reading skills. Through the close study of an acclaimed play, students analyze plot and character development, and apply their learning as they write their own original scripts. To support students in developing their creativity and critical thinking skills, daily improv games are also included in every class. Not only fun, these improv exercises are proven to accelerate students’ mental agility and language skills, preparing them to stay focused and to think quickly when facing challenging tasks in the writing classroom—or anywhere in life!
Each class is divided into three major components:
- A theatrical read-aloud of the course text, followed by a high-level discussion centered around the topic of the day.
- An improv game and group script-writing challenge.
- A writer’s workshop for students to develop their own writing, and have an opportunity to work directly with the teacher.
Course Text:
- Digging Up Dessa by Laura Schellhardt
Note: To ensure students have the best experience, it is recommended that they do not read the text before class starts.
The course culminates in an exhibition of students’ work—an opportunity for students to apply their heightened communication skills and bring their writing to life in an exciting shared performance.
This two-week course meets Monday through Friday for three hours each day.
Space is very limited for our summer programs. Please do not wait until the last minute to enroll. If there are more than two weeks before the course starts, a $200 deposit will be due when enrolling, with the balance due two weeks before the course begins.
