Experience our Davidson-Cornelius residency Aug. 12-17
New River Dramatists, a non-profit cultural organization based in the North Carolina mountains,
will bring its unique drama-writing workshop to Davidson-Cornelius for one week this summer, Aug. 12-17.
Founded in 1999, the workshop helps accomplished and emerging writers improve their storytelling through workshop readings and critiques of plays and screenplays. The visit to Davidson-Cornelius will include daily sessions with readings and discussions of works in progress. Organizers invite anyone interested to sit in for a few minutes or a whole day, where they’ll have a chance to see professionals at work crafting new writing for the stage, television and movies.
“Think of it as a laboratory,” says Mark Woods, the organization’s executive director and founder. “There is a combination of honesty and a dynamic in what happens around the table.”
Mr. Woods is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. He worked in theater in New York before moving to North Carolina in 1975. He co-founded the North Carolina Theatre Ensemble with Stuart Brooks, worked with North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, and in 1984 helped transform Actors Contemporary Ensemble of Charlotte into Charlotte Repertory Theatre, which he led for several years. He left CRT to launch a lifelong drea, New River Dramatists.
Besides Mr. Woods, the organization includes artistic director Meir Ribalow. Mr. Ribalow is a New York-based playwright, author and director.
GET INVOLVED – ATTEND A SESSION
Workshop sessions will be held at 20901 North Main Street in Cornelius, across from the Cycle Path. Sessions will be Aug. 12 to 17, from noon to 6 p.m. You’re invited to stop by for a few minutes or all day, to watch the writers and actors at work.
The residency also will include a public “concert reading” of “Masterpiece,” a new comedy/mystery by Mr. Ribalow, which is in development. That’s Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. at Davidson United Methodist Church. There’s no admission, but donations will be accepted to benefit Davidson Community Players and children with AIDS. To reserve a seat, email mark@newriverdramatists.org, with “masterpiece” in the subject line.
GET INVOLVED – HOST AN ACTOR OR WRITER
During New River Dramatists Davidson residency, local families are being sought to host actors and writers in their homes. Dates will be approximately Aug. 11 to 17. We’re looking for housing only; meals or transportation not required. If you’re interested, contact president Mark Woods, 704-799-0223, or by email mark@newriverdramatists.org (8/11)
