Workshops
Spells offers FREE writing workshops for children which are designed to develop writing skills and encourage creativity. We will be adding new workshops frequently, so please check back often for new offerings!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Where in the World Are We?
Saturdays, March 20–April 17, 2010
1:00–2:30 p.m.
Spells Writing Center
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 8–12
Taught by Tenaya Anue
Have you ever wanted to fly to the moon or swim deep under the ocean and see a giant squid? Or maybe even travel to another world and ride a dragon? In this location-themed workshop, we’ll think about the places we write about in our stories, and we’ll find out what happens when a character switches settings. When it’s done, we’ll have a book of stories and illustrations to take to another great place—home!
Note: this workshop is a 5-part series that runs every Saturday from March 20 until April 17.
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
Based on the Novel By . . .
Adapting Books for the Silver Screen
Sat, March 6 and Sat, March 13, 2010
1:00–2:30 p.m.
Spells Writing Center
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 7 and up
Taught by Shannon Eplett
Do you wish you had picked the cast of the latest Twilight movie? Ever think about the music you’d play in the background during Harry Potter’s Quidditch games? Or maybe you’ve read a book that you know would make the perfect movie. In this two-session workshop, we’ll examine recent film adaptations of popular books, then work in groups to re-write scenes from some of our favorite books—complete with soundtracks, casts of characters, and dialogue. Don’t miss this chance to sit in the director’s chair!
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Tues, March 2, 2010
4:00–5:30 p.m.
Spells Writing Center
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 8–12
One fish, two fish, red fish . . . and thirty words! Many of Dr. Seuss’ most famous books were written on a dare that he couldn’t write an entire book using only thirty words. To celebrate this incredible author’s birthday, we’ll challenge ourselves to write books of our own in a limited number of words. Join Spells as we explore what makes eggs green, how the cat got his hat, and what that Grinch did with Christmas!
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
From Page to Screen
Do you rush out to watch the movie versions of your favorite books on opening weekend? Does it drive you crazy when the film adaptation changes the ending, or adds scenes that weren’t in the original? Do you think you could cast better actors to portray your favorite fictional characters? In this unique series, we will be featuring a popular teen book or graphic novel each month. Read it and then join us to watch parts of the film that has brought the page to life. During our group sessions, we’ll also use that month’s book and film as a jumping off point for our own writing projects. Did the filmmakers do a good job of translating the written word to the screen? That’s for YOU to decide!
From Page to Screen: Persepolis
Sun, February 21, 2010
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Ages 14 and up
Led by Elizabeth Encarnacion and Teresa Bonaddio
Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel Persepolis, this year’s One Book, One Philadelphia selection, is an autobiographical retelling of her childhood in Iran during the Islamic revolution that she helped craft into an Academy-Award nominated animated film. The simplicity of her black and white drawings engages readers into her story of a country undergoing violent change, and a rebellious young woman struggling to find her way in a new world. Why did she choose to tell her story through a combination of pictures and words? Would her story have been as powerful if made into a live-action film?
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
From Page to Screen: Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Sun, March 21, 2010
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Ages 14 and up *Note: book contains mature language*
Led by Elizabeth Encarnacion and Teresa Bonaddio
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is the wild, unpredictable story of two teenagers who search all night for an underground rock band in New York City, but find a potential romantic connection instead. Written by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, each telling the story through a different character’s eyes, this novel was turned into a popular film starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings. Does the film succeed in getting into the characters’ heads like the book does? Or does the story lose something in the translation? Most important, Where’s Fluffy?
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
Looking for information about past workshops? CLICK HERE.
Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder Street
Philadelphia, PA 19133
267-670-0869
info@phillyspells.org
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 30462
Philadelphia, PA 19103
