Kids writing courses:

The next course takes place in February Half Term 2009 and will be held on the Isle of Wight. Full details will be posted soon.

BACKGROUND

Every year, Stage 22 runs writing courses for children. These are hailed as fantastic experiences not only for children who have a love of writing or a passion for scripting and character development, but also for those children who want to improve their English skills.

The courses are run in different locations across the country giving not only the children but also their families the opportunity to go on holiday as well as learn! What could be better?

THE COURSES

The courses last for four days out of the five day week – the kids get one day off to spend looking over the local area with their families, or alternatively they can continue writing! The first day begins with a get-to-know-you session for all students. Pupils come from across the country to one place and so hot seating is the first task of the week. Students are then encouraged to build on a character they create themselves by forming a written monologue. More confident members of the group can read and perform these monologues. as the week progresses, the monologues turn into dialogues and full scenes containing direction and dialogue as students interact their writing with one another’s' characters. one day of the week is set aside as a day of education in whatever the host writer is working on. For example, if the course is being tutored by a writer from Holby City then one day will be spent working on scripts and stories for Holby.



By the end of the week students will have created a good character and have at least two to three scenes of script written by their own fair hands. The end product is always something that will bring a tear to any English teacher or OFSTED examiner’s eye!

AGE LIMITS

Stage 22 are currently able to offer writing courses to children aged between 10 – 21.

ACCOMMODATION

Whilst Stage 22 are no longer able to source accommodation for students and their families, we will happily recommend accommodation to suit all budgets in the local area to where the course is being held. Through our partners in the accommodation field, we are sometimes able to obtain for students, significant reductions on usual rates.

BBQ’s, team building events and other ‘fun’ activities held throughout the week are all in suitable locations close to recommended accommodation. This enables parents. guardians to come along and have a drink with the tutors whilst the kids enjoy themselves, without the worry of how to get back.

LOCATIONS

Through research, we have found that locations by the sea are far more inspirational to writers than those inland. Therefore the majority of course are run in coastal towns. Historically, courses have been run in the following locations – courses for 2009 will be posted shortly.

• Allhallows, Kent
• Campbeltown, Scotland
• Isle of Wight
• Newquay, Cornwall
• Scarborough, Yorkshire

THE FEES

Course fees start at £350 for the full 7-days. This includes professional tuition as well as all the team building and activities that are accompanied with the writing course.

THE PEOPLE

The courses are run by experienced writers and producers who have successful histories in film, stage and/or television. Many of the host writers are currently writing for shows in the public domain. Course tutors differ.

TO BOOK A PLACE

Places are limited as Stage 22 restrict numbers on each course to maximise learning potential. There are never usually more than 10 children on any one course. More information on these courses can be found in the national press or by calling Stage 22 on 0845 602 46 22.