Screenwriting: The Basics

4 Saturdays July 27 – August 17

This class will focus on writing scene structure, plotting, treatments, synopses; how a screenplay differs from a stage play; how we generate ideas and characters. There will be some homework and there will be popcorn.

Paula Marchese studied Theatre at the University of Michigan BA and MA. In addition to acting off-Broadway and in regional theatre, she was a founding member in the New York and Los Angeles wings of Ensemble Studio Theatre, a company devoted to the nurturing of new playwrights. In Los Angeles Paula co-starred on numerous television shows including “Newhart,” “Falcon Crest,” and “General Hospital.” On the other side of the camera, she worked in production on educational films for McGraw-Hill and at NBC as a story analyst. After returning to western New York, she worked at Bristol Valley Theatre, the JCC, and Blackfriars. She co-authored the book for “Depression: the Musical,” a sometimes comic, often poignant look at one man’s lifelong struggle with chronic depression. Her play, “The Ring,” was selected for the GeVa Regional Playwrights Festival; she also serves as Dramaturge for Hamm & Clov Stage Company in New York and taught acting and playwriting at SUNY Brockport.