HUSH and HUSH Jr
Gain professional skills and take creative adventures
Apply to be a HUSH writer, learn about auditions, become a composer
Without a script, there is no show, and the writers make up the backbone of the whole production. Three times a year, new writers are invited in to join the HUSH team. Writers must be dedicated to their craft and able to work under deadlines. In addition, they must agree to listen to all previous episodes of HUSH, become immersed in the HUSH universe and learn the details of the podcast story bible.
Following the industry practice of television writers, the writing team collaborates to develop the season outline and break it down into eight episodes. Episodes are divvied out and writers work as an individual or a small team to write the first draft of their assigned show. The draft is then shared with the larger group for revisions. A read through by actors helps to tweak dialogue before the episode is released to the student director for rehearsal and recording.
Actors and composers are an important part of the team as well. Auditions are held periodically to supply the voices of various roles. Professional vocal actor Therese Molloy provides acting lessons, and actors rehearse twice monthly and then record. Student composers work with professional musicians including Jesse Nelson to underscore scenes and provide transition music.
Throughout the year, HUSH meets most Saturdays from 11 AM to 1:00 PM in StoryArk's classroom space located in the Zephyr Studio, 421 South Main Street, Stillwater, Minnesota.
Writers, actors and composers interested in joining the HUSH team should email steph@storyark.org.
Another option: HUSH Jr for middle school students
Our goal with HUSH is to provide as professional an experience as possible to students. In addition to developing writing skills, students learn about industry standards and how to work on a creative team. While we do open up the possibility of middle school students joining HUSH, many of them find it a better fit to be a part of HUSH Jr - a podcast spin off of HUSH that meets Saturday afternoons from 12:30 to 2:00. In HUSH Jr, students learn the key elements of writing an audio script, develop dialogue writing skills, and explore all the components of creating a podcast.
Similar experience at the developmentally appropriate level
The first step, of course, is determining placement. For those who are interested, contact steph@storyark.org.
Three Trimesters Per Year
- FALL: September through December
- WINTER: January through April
- SUMMER: May through August
Thanks to grants, donations and sponsorships, we are able to keep tuition well below actual program costs. First time students entering the program pay $275 for the first trimester. After that, tuition remains at $175 per trimester. All students are welcome whatever their ability to pay.
Email, Text or Call for More Information
StoryArk Matters
StoryArk provides a variety of creative programming for youth, allowing them to tell their story through their chosen medium - whether that be a novel, poetry, film, song, podcast or anything else they can dream up. Student initiated and student led, each project is imagined, designed, and developed by youth. Professional authors, screenwriters, filmmakers, musicians, producers, directors and actors share their expertise and experience, helping students gain new skills in their craft and empowering them to become their best creative selves.
StoryArk is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
Email: steph@storyark.org
Website: www.storyark.org
Location: Stillwater, MN, United States
Phone: 651-351-0804
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshireonline/
Twitter: @theshireonline