Workshops
Upcoming Workshops
From Spark to Story: A Playwriting Workshop with Jennifer Lane
Characters, conflict, and the courage to begin.
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
Cost: $50
Every great play begins with a spark, a character, an image, a moment of tension. In this hands-on playwriting workshop, award-winning playwright and teaching artist Jennifer Lane guides participants through the first inspired steps of building a story for the stage.
Together, the group will explore the fundamentals of dramatic structure, read and discuss a short play, and engage in generative writing exercises designed to help ideas move from imagination to the page. The workshop emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and practical tools writers can use immediately.
This workshop is open to writers of all experience levels, whether you are brand new to playwriting or looking to jumpstart a new script.
About the Instructor: Jennifer Lane
Jennifer Lane is an award-winning playwright, novelist, poet, and teaching artist whose work has been produced and developed across the United States and internationally. Her plays have been presented at major festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and have received numerous honors and awards. Several of her works have been adapted for film.
Jennifer’s writing has appeared in publications such as HowlRound Theatre Commons, Women in Theatre Magazine, and The Mothership, and her poetry collection The Word for When was published in Italy. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and a BA from Sarah Lawrence College. Her dramatic work is represented by Stewart Talent.
In addition to her creative practice, Jennifer is a dedicated mentor to emerging writers, bringing warmth, clarity, and encouragement to her teaching. Her workshops create supportive spaces where writers can take risks, generate new material, and begin shaping bold, personal stories for the stage.
Well... Slap Me Silly: How to Protect the 8x10
Unarmed Combat Workshop with Anthony Guest
Date: Saturday, May 9th
Time: 6-8pm
Cost: $50
The stage slap is one of the most common—and most frequently mishandled—moments in physical storytelling. Whether it lands as a dramatic climax or a comedic punchline, a poorly executed slap can lead to injury, broken trust, and unnecessary risk.
This workshop focuses on finding the balance between believability and actor safety, giving you the tools to create compelling moments without ever compromising your partner.
What You’ll Learn
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The Anatomy of the Illusion
Master the mechanics of a convincing stage slap, including distance, eye line, timing, and the all-important “knap” (the sound of impact). -
Protecting the 8x10
Learn practical techniques to ensure your face—and your partner’s—remains untouched and ready for your close-up. -
The Art of the Knap
Discover how to create sharp, effective sound without ever making skin-to-skin contact. -
The Polite “No”
Develop language and confidence to advocate for your safety if asked to perform unsafe or real contact. -
The Consent Contract
Practice a repeatable system of checking in with your partner before engaging in any physical choreography.
Who Should Take This Workshop?
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Actors looking to strengthen their physical storytelling skills
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Directors who want to keep their casts safe while maintaining realism
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Students entering the professional world who need to understand safety standards and their rights in the rehearsal room
Don’t leave safety to chance.
Learn to tell the story, protect your partner, and keep your teeth—and your 8x10—intact.
Meet the Instructor
Anthony Guest (he/him) is a professional actor, director, and fight choreographer, and serves as an Associate Professor of Theatre at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. His teaching centers on acting, with specialized expertise in comedic technique and stage combat.
Anthony is a frequent collaborator at Meadow Brook Theatre—Michigan’s only LORT contract house—where recent acting credits include Noises Off and A Christmas Carol, along with fight direction for Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure and Catch Me If You Can.
His career has also included work in New York City, with credits ranging from Macbeth (Expanded Arts) to CBS’s Guiding Light. Regionally, he has worked with Missouri Repertory Theatre, The Kennedy Center, and Utah Shakespeare Festival.
As a fight director, Anthony has choreographed for Mill Mountain Theatre, Shakespeare in Detroit, Fenton Shakespeare Festival, and Meadow Brook Theatre.
He holds an MFA from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a BS in Biology with a Theatre minor from the University of Michigan–Flint. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD).
Registration Information
Advanced registration is required, as space is limited.
Full refunds are available with at least 72 hours’ notice. If you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so your spot may be offered to another participant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is open to improvisers, actors, and storytellers of all experience levels. Whether you are brand new to improv, experienced on stage, or curious about on-camera work, you are welcome.
Do I need prior improv or film experience?
No prior film experience is required. Some familiarity with improv can be helpful, but curiosity, openness, and a willingness to jump in are all you need.
What will we work on during the workshop?
Participants will explore how to translate improvisation into cinematic storytelling. Using the Story Spine framework, you will:
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Build narrative structure from spontaneous choices
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Develop character objectives that read on camera
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Practice shaping improvised beats into compelling arcs
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Explore truthful, grounded behavior for filmed scenes
The focus is on process, storytelling craft, and practical tools you can immediately apply to film and digital work.
Will I have to perform on camera?
Yes, participants will have opportunities to work on camera in a supportive environment. This is a hands-on workshop designed to help you gain comfort and confidence in filmed improvisation.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing you can move in, a notebook and pen for notes, and a collaborative spirit. All other materials will be provided.
Is this workshop appropriate for students and teens?
TThis workshop is designed for adults and older teens with an interest in improv and on-camera storytelling. If you are unsure whether it is a good fit, feel free to reach out before registering.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop runs for two hours, with a balance of writing, discussion, and group exploration.
Where does the workshop take place?
The workshop will be held at The Inspired Acting Company, located in Downtown Walled Lake.
How many participants will there be?
Space is limited to ensure a focused and supportive experience. Advanced registration is required.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available with at least 72 hours’ notice. If you are unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible so your spot may be offered to another participant.
How do I register or ask additional questions?
Registration is completed online. If you have questions before signing up, we are happy to help. Please reach out through our website for more information.