Classes for Teens


Hugo Classes for Teens are Saturday workshops built on the conservatory model. Working with a professional writer, each class will focus intensively in a specific genre. Students will hone their craft while stretching their writing muscles in a supportive environment. Registration is first-come, first-served with classes capped at 12 students each. Classes are $50, with tuition assistance available to all.

To register, call (206) 322-7030 or email Margot Kahn Case, youth programs manager, at margotcase@hugohouse.org.


Spring 2009

Fearless Solo Performance
Be fearless on stage. In this class you will learn how to perform writing that will enchant, delight and captivate your audience, taking poems and prose from glimmers of ideas to dynamic, engaging staged pieces. We'll talk about what makes a great performance piece and write and revise specifically for the stage. With practice, you'll learn how to let your poem live in your body.
Instructor: Karen Finneyfrock
Meets: Saturdays, Mar.7–28, 1–3 p.m. 

Flash Fiction
Small is beautiful. Brevity is the soul of wit. Also known as short short fiction, flash fiction tells a story in less than 500 words. In this class we'll look at great examples of the form; we'll talk about Modernism; we'll practice concision. We'll use a variety of prompts to write our own short shorts, compiling a collection by course end.
Instructor: Ann Teplick
Meets: Saturdays, April 4 – May 2, 1-3 p.m.

The 10-Minute Play
In this workshop we'll examine several successful short plays, exploring specific elements of playwriting craft. In-class writing exercises will delve into dialogue, character development, and conflict, creating the backbone for drama. Each writer's goal will be to complete at least one short play to be read before an invited audience during the final session.
Instructor: Dickey Nesenger
Meets: Saturdays, April 11 – May 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Breaking the Rules
Sonnet schmonnet. We'll show you, sonnet, undo you, make you only thirteen lines. We'll put the villain in villanelle. We'll write a 7-word sestina. We'll beat the dead horse of clich้ back into galloping life. We'll break the rules of poetry and, in doing so, write some darn good unruly poetry.
Instructor: Rebecca Hoogs
Meets: Saturdays, 5/2, 5/9, 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 1-3 p.m.

Humor Writing
Being funny isn't always easy. In this class we'll explore what makes people laugh at the page, at themselves, at the inane and the profound. Our goal will be to see life in all its intricate seriousness and silliness with fresh eyes, to turn tears to laughter and to laugh until we cry.
Instructor: Cienna Madrid
Meets: Saturdays, May 9-30, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.