Auditions Saturday + Write a Film
Opportunity to join podcast HUSH closes September
Auditions for HUSH on Saturday, September 17 at 9 AM
Opportunity to join HUSH closes September 24 and won't reopen until January
When first her parents and then her grandmother disappear, Andy and her friends must navigate a series of worlds to find the answers they seek.
The Muse continues to visit as the writers create a script a month for the podcast series HUSH. There are a number of ways to be involved! In addition to scriptwriters, we need SFX artists to develop and perform sound effects, composers to create theme and transition music, musicians to play live and actors to perform. Are you any combination of these creative artists? Then join The Shire's Audio Drama Team on Saturdays from 9 to 12 and participate in as many areas as you like. (Sponsorship maintains tuition at $175 per quarter)
Listen in to "Don't Cry Over Cold Tea," the first episode of the podcast series HUSH. Each new episode will be released on Voices in the Valley the first Saturday of every month at 10 AM on KLBB 1220. Come join the excitement! Contact Steph@theshireonline.com to find out more.
Your Quest Awaits - will you accept the challenge?
The story lives in your head, breathes in your heart and consumes your daydreams.
What's the best way to tell your tale? Will you write it down?
Embark on a quest at The Shire and bring your idea from
creative thought to published or produced creation.
The Shire Quests:
The Great Screenplay Adventure: Writing for the Short Film
Writing Mentor Eli Nord ~ Classroom space of The Shire shared with the Zephyr Studio
Sundays, 1:30 to 4:00, October 9, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 27; December 4, 11
Do you want to write a screenplay? The student who takes on this quest will gain a thorough understanding of how to bring a movie from an idea to a fully formed screenplay in a just a few short weeks. Discover how to tell your stories in a new format at a professional standard. Every great movie starts with a great script. Give your story idea the chance to succeed. This course will guide you to making that next great film. Writing mentor ($275 early registration, $300 after Sept 15)
The Search for the Finished Novel: Completing Your Tale
Writing Mentors Stephani Atkins and Traci Post ~ Classroom space of ArtReach St. Croix
Mondays, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, October 10, 17; November 1(T), 7, 14, 21, 28, 30, December 5, 12
Join a group of similarly motivated students to develop, write and publish a novel. During the month of October, we'll gather resources for our novel "toolbox", discover characters, develop plot and establish a daily writing routine in preparation for the internationally recognized National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Then, in November, we'll join NaNoWriMo Write-Ins at ArtReach St. Croix to benefit from deadlines, snacks, yoga and a sense of intergenerational camaraderie. Ready to transform your work into a finished product? Work with professional editor Traci Post in December to learn developmental editing and copyediting techniques. Conclude by learning about various publishing options. ($275 early registration, $300 after Sept 15)
*Parents: interested in your own novel quest? Contact Stephani Atkins at to be plugged into an adult NaNoWriMo group.
See Me in Print: Writing for Competition or Publication
Writing Mentors Stephani Atkins and Traci Post ~ Classroom space of The Shire shared with the Zephyr Studio
Saturdays, 1:30 to 4:00, October 15, 29; November 5, 12, 19; Dec 3, 10, 17
Short stories can have a life, and a home, of their own. It can be a gratifying, and satisfying learning experience to craft your story for a specific competition or publication. Learn about plot, characterization, story arc and submission guidelines as we work towards the goal of seeing your story in print. Possible competitions and publications for submission include The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Teen Ink, Forest For the Trees, Creative Kids Magazine, Launch Pad and more. Have you always wanted to be a published author? Allow us to help you towards that goal. *Please note that we cannot guarantee your story will be published, only that we will fully support and encourage your efforts. ($275 early registration, $300 after Sept 15)
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The world needs what YOU have to say, so be heard. Take the next step.
Join fellow writers on a writing adventure.
What Quest will you journey on to make your story happen?
Questions? Email steph@theshireonline.com.
Shire Workshop: How to Write the Mentally Ill Character
Psychologist Dr. Mark Sundby, Writing Mentor Stephani Atkins ~ Classroom space of The Shire shared with the Zephyr Studio
Saturday, October 8 from 1:30 to 4:30 PM
Writing the mentally ill character should be done with sensitivity and understanding. Learn the symptoms, traits and characteristics of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder (sociopathy) and how to apply them to your story. In addition to drawing upon psychological data, we'll consider mental illness in such classics as the novel Catcher in the Rye and the movie Beautiful Mind. Bring your characters to life in a realistic way that captures the complexity of these psychological diseases. ($35 early registration, $40 after Sept 15)
Join us for a Shire Open House! October 8, 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Have a Story to Tell? Join The Shire's Writing Clubs
High School Writing Club, first and third Tuesdays, from 3:30 to 5:00
Begins October 4, ends May 16. (Free)
Fantasy Writing Club, Select Sundays, from 2:00 to 3:30
Begins October 9, ends May 7. (Free)
Email steph@theshireonline.com for more information.
Be a Host or a Guest on the Radio Show VOICES IN THE VALLEY
VOICES IN THE VALLEY airs every Saturday morning at 10:00 on KLBB 1220 AM
Email steph@theshireonline.com if you are interested in becoming involved.
*Money should NEVER be an issue for a student at The Shire.
We want all interested students to be able to participate.
Contact steph@theshireonline.com if you need your tuition waived.
Meet Your Writing Mentors
As Host of "Voices in the Valley" and Executive Director for the podcast series HUSH, Ms. Atkins is passionate about storytelling in all its forms. As an artist, Ms. Atkins works on literary art projects that are realized on multiple formats (video, audio, web, print and other media). Prior to her position as Executive Director of The Shire, Ms. Atkins worked as a marketing director and served as a director of student programming for both large and small non-profit educational programs.
Dr. Mark Sundby, Psychologist
Alan Frechtman, Director
Calyssa Hall, Acting Coach
The Shire has an additional space to call home!
From The Shire's Performing Arts Friend:
Announcing... The Zephyr Studio!
This is your chance to experience the incredible world of theatre and storytelling. Explore and study drama, comedy, or musical theatre while sharpening your acting skills. The Zephyr Performing Arts Center is working hard to create an exquisite, new, 330-seat professional theatre on the north side of Main Street! Now, we are excited to begin our adventure at The Zephyr Studio! Come on over and join us! Class descriptions can be perused at www.stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org Accepting registrations today! Classes limited to 10 students.
The Shire ~ a cultural project of the non profit StoryArk
Email: steph@theshireonline.com
Website: theshireonline.com
Location: Brick Alley Building, 421 South Main Street, Stillwater, MN, United States
Phone: 651-351-0804
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshireonline
Twitter: @theshireonline