WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Ever thought about adapting an existing work for the stage? Had one in mind for a long time, but have a few questions about the process of adaptation, or the legal intricacies of things like public domain and rights acquisition?

In this workshop, we’ll cover the basics of adapting a work to the stage from another form, and then I’ll open things up to a more hands on approach. If you like, you’ll have a chance to briefly describe a project or two that you may be working on, or that you’re thinking about, and ask questions regarding any roadblocks you’re encountering, be they creative obstacles, or problems acquiring the necessary rights. I’ll offer my thoughts and advice on your questions, and then I’ll open it up to the group for comment and brief discussion.

If you’ve never tried adapting a story to the stage, consider it; it’s a blast!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this workshop does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in the workshop are for general informational purposes only.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

GARY GRAVES is a director and playwright living in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1994, he received a Ph.D. in the Directing Program at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1998, he became a resident playwright and company co-director at Central Works in Berkeley. Now in its 31st season, Central Works is a theater company that develops and produces all new plays. He has overseen the development of 67 world premiere plays at Central Works, many of which he has either written and/or directed. Titles of plays he has written include: DRACULA INQUEST, RICHARD THE FIRST (Parts 1, 2, & 3), THE GRAND INQUISITOR, CHEKHOV’S THE DUEL, and PENELOPE’S ODYSSEY. He also leads the Central Works Writers Workshop, an ongoing commissioning program that develops new works. Since 2002, he has taught playwriting year-round at the Berkeley Repertory School of Theater, including the annual Summer Playwriting Workshop that develops and presents a series of staged readings of eight new plays every summer. He is currently working on a 5-play cycle of plays under the collective title THE PRINCE.

REGISTRATION

Suggested donation of $15-$25.

Registrants will be sent an email with Zoom instructions from programs@playcafe.org. Please place programs@playcafe.org in your address book to insure you receive these instructions. You might have to check your spam folder.