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Over the course of six engaging sessions, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to begin a brand-new play or continue developing a script already in progress. Designed for both first-time and continuing playwrights, the class focuses on the essential elements of the craft—developing authentic characters, writing compelling dialogue, and shaping stories through plot and structure.
Each week, participants’ work will be read aloud in class, providing valuable feedback and helping scripts grow through collaboration and discussion. In addition to traditional playwriting, the workshop welcomes those interested in exploring autobiographical or fictional one-person shows, with attention given to live storytelling techniques.
Whether you’re just starting to write or refining an idea, this supportive environment will encourage your voice as a writer and help bring your story to the stage.
Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Classes with insufficient enrollment may be canceled, with full refunds offered.
About the Instructor
Matthew Schneck is an award-winning actor, playwright, director, and professor. Matthew made his Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated production of London Assurance featuring Brian Bedford and Rainn Wilson. He was awarded a Drama Desk Award for his performance in The Temperamentals which premiered Off-Broadway at New World Stages.
Selected acting credits include: The Merchant of Venice (starring Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham) which he performed Off-Broadway and at The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon; The Little Foxes (Shakespeare Theatre of DC featuring Elizabeth Ashley), Major Barbara (San Jose Rep - Dean Goodman Award), and productions with such theaters as Theatre For A New Audience, Seattle Rep, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Curious Theatre Company, Cleveland Playhouse, Geva Theatre, Denver Center Theatre Company, Playmakers Rep, The Alley Theatre, among many others.
This past summer, Matthew performed in his fifth season with The Colorado Shakespeare Festival. During his tenure with this company, he has performed in 10 productions and played such roles as Francis Henshall in One Man, Two Guvnors (On Stage Colorado Award for Best Leading Comedic Performance), Cassius in Julius Caesar, and Paroles in All’s Well That Ends Well.
Matthew is the author of 14 full-length plays which have been workshopped and/or produced at Hartford Stage, Primary Stages, Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, Access Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Cherry Lane Theatre, among others. A 12 Lb. Discourse, co-written and co-performed with Pete Simpson of Blue Man Group, played to a sold-out run at The SoHo Rep.
Matthew has held academic appointments at Southern Oregon University, University of Kentucky, and University of Colorado-Denver and has taught all levels of Acting, Acting and Directing for the
Camera, Audition Techniques, Playwriting, Shakespeare, World Theatre, Drama of Diversity, Script Analysis, and the Business of Acting. In addition, he has devised and directed a number of original works with university students in BFA programs.
He is a proud graduate of Villanova University and The National Theatre Conservatory.