Past Workshops
What If?
Turning Weird Wonderings into Great Writing
Thursdays, May 20–June 17
4–6 p.m.
Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 8–12
Taught by George Payne
Reality is great, but sometimes it gets a little predictable. What if things were different? What if robots were our friends, or humans grew wings? What if we could talk to animals? During this workshop, we’ll ponder deep questions, weird questions, and just plain silly questions . . . and turn our fantastical pondering into truly wonderful writing!
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Become a Movie Critic
Saturday, June 26
1–2:30 p.m.
Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 8–12
Taught by Angelina Sciolla
Great characters? Awesome special effects? Or predictable plot and music? Movie critics have to pay attention to a lot when they review movies. That’s why they get to see them for free. Learn what critics do, then write a review of your favorite movie. (Or maybe even one you really didn’t like.) Plus, you’ll create a movie poster that includes great quotes from your review.
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
Teen Tuesdays: Drop-In Writing Sessions
Tuesdays, April 20–June 8
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 13–18
Do you keep a journal? Compose lyrics? Write your own comics? Stop by Spells Writing Lab on Tuesday afternoons to brainstorm ideas, share your work, and talk shop with other people who are passionate about writing! We’ll even host special guests such as authors, journalists, editors, and other professionals from writing-related fields.
Internet Saved the Radio Star
An Introduction to Blogging about Music
Saturdays, May 1–May 22
1:00–2:30 p.m.
Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 8 and up
Taught by Kevin Bentley
Think Lady Gaga. Think Lil Wayne. Think that obscure local band that only you know about. Whether you love them or hate them, you’ve got something to say—and Spells is ready to hear it! Join us as we listen to music, break down what makes it good (or bad), and create our own online music reviews.
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
From Page to Screen: Prince Caspian
Sun, May 23, 2010
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Ages 12 and up
Led by Elizabeth Encarnacion and Teresa Bonaddio
C.S. Lewis’s classic Chronicles of Narnia feature an imaginative fantasy world where animals can talk and four ordinary British children become the high kings and queens of the land. Read this month’s book, Prince Caspian, on your own, and then join us on Sunday, May 23 to watch part of the most recent film adaptation—and possibly a few scenes from older versions—to bring Narnia to life. During our group session, we’ll also use this month’s book and film as a jumping off point for our own writing. Did the filmmakers do a good job of translating the written word to the screen? That’s for YOU to decide!
*Space is limited! Call 267-670-0869 or email write@phillyspells.org to reserve your spot now.*
Moviemaking Madness
Thursdays, April 8–May13
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 8–12
Taught by Kevin Carragher and Elizabeth Encarnacion
If you love going to the movies and want to make your own, join us for this crash course in filmmaking. Our budding screenwriters will work together to brainstorm ideas and write a short film, up until the big climax. Then, each writer will dream up his or her own fantastic finish for the movie—and we’ll film them all with you as the actors! Family and friends are welcome to attend our movie’s premiere during the last week of class.
This is My Philly
Saturday, April 10
1:00–4:00 pm
Moore College of Art & Design, Room 206
20th Street and the Parkway, Philadelphia
Ages 8–12
Taught by Spells Writing Lab Volunteers and AIGA Philadelphia Graphic Design Students
Do you love your neighborhood? What’s your favorite place, building, park, or person where you live? Is there something unique about your home? We believe there’s something special about all the communities that make up Philadelphia. No matter what the size or location, we all feel a sense of pride and love for our neighborhood.
Spells Writing Lab is partnering with AIGA Philadelphia to celebrate the special neighborhoods of our city. AIGA Philadelphia is a local organization comprised of creatives such as graphic designers, illustrators, educators, etc. Under the guidance of graphic design college students from around the city, kids will create a collage and supporting poem expressing their love for their home. Emphasis will be placed on successfully expressing ideas through the integration of image and the written word.
Held at Moore College of Art & Design, participants will have the opportunity to see how professionally trained creatives work. After the workshop, with the help of computers and scanners, graphic design students will work together to design a larger project that features all the pieces created in this workshop.
Join Spells Writing Lab and AIGA Philadelphia in showing the world “your” Philly!
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.
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!
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!
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?
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?
Author Workshop with Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Thurs, February 18, 2010
3:15–4:15 p.m.
Spells Writing Center
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 12–18
Join Philly Spells for a special session with Catherine Gilbert Murdock, author of Dairy Queen, Off Season, and Princess Ben. She will discuss her own experiences as an author, provide tips for aspiring writers, and answer as many questions as you can ask in an hour!
Those students who attend are asked to read a copy of Princess Ben before attending, as the discussion will center around the creation of this book.
Family Writing Workshop: Painting Poetry
Sat, February 13, 2010
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street, Philadelphia
All Ages
Join us for the third in our series of family writing workshops inspired by the artwork displayed in the Painted Bride’s Independence Foundation Gallery for the Visual Arts. Curator Anabelle Rodriguez-Gonzalez will guide families through the fascinating and enchanting world of artists Henry Bermudez and Rodriguez Calero. Parents and kids will have the opportunity to delve into new worlds through art and then create their own worlds through poetry by using a variety of dynamic and artistic poetic techniques. This FREE workshop is for children and adults of all ages!
All You Need Is Love
Thurs, February 11, 2010 CANCELED
4:00–5:30 p.m.
Spells Writing Center
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 6–11
Taught by Carol Denker
Roses are red, violets are blue . . .
Spells loves Valentine’s Day! How about you?
In this workshop, we’ll participate in an interdisciplinary art and writing exercise, drawing and writing about things and people we love. We’ll leave with cards to deliver on Valentine’s Day! Author Carol Denker will also talk about her great love—writing—and her experiences writing and publishing.
As Seen on TV!
Write Your Own Commercial
Sat, January 9, and Sat, January 16, 2010
1:00–2:30 p.m.
Spells Writing Center
2526 N. Alder Street, Philadelphia
Ages 8 and up
Taught by Angelina Sciolla
Ever wondered where those cool commercials you watch on TV come from? Who is the voice behind the Geico Gecko? Who decided that drinking Gatorade turns your sweat orange? Well, a whole team of writers, directors, artists, actors and producers put them together. And now it’s your turn to try! During this two-session workshop, we’ll write, direct, produce, and film our own commercials.
Postcards from Space
Tues, January 12, 2009
4:00–5:30 p.m.
Head House Books
619 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
Ages 6–12
Taught by Jemmell’z Washington
Have you ever watched a space shuttle launch into the clouds or astronauts floating in orbit and thought, “I want to do that!” Well, pack your bag, your gravity boots, and your creativity—we’re taking a vacation into the galaxy to walk on the moon, dodge meteor showers, and more. Of course, our friends back home on Earth are going to want postcards! Do you think a post office on Mars will have stamps? Join us for an experience that’s sure to be out of this world!
Toys “Buy” Us
Sat, December 12, 2009
1:00–2:30 p.m.
The Gallery at Market East
Mall (Lower) Level, next to the Nine West Outlet
9th & Market Streets, Philadelphia
Ages 6–12
As the holidays approach, we’ve got toys on the brain! Big ones, little ones . . . fancy ones, simple ones . . . toys that work underwater and toys that talk! Come help Spells design the perfect toy. We can’t promise that your parents will buy it for you, but we CAN promise that you’ll have fun planning and writing about some crazy toys!
Parents, this is the perfect opportunity to drop off the kids and get some holiday shopping done without them!
There’s No Place Like Home
Family Writing Workshop
Sat, December 5, 2009
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
All ages
Join us for the second in our series of family writing workshops inspired by the artwork displayed in the Painted Bride’s Independence Foundation Gallery for the Visual Arts. What makes your house a “home”? The blue front door? The trips you take and the way your house feels when you come back? That weird smell that fills the air every time your sister tries to cook? Whatever it is that makes your family feel at home, we’ll explore it with the Painted Bride during this collaborative workshop.
We’ll begin by touring “Shelter,” a new multimedia exhibition in which seventeen Philadelphia artists collaborated with ten Philadelphia households whose homes were restored by volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia. “Shelter” raises questions about what we really need, and what we discover when we reach through our own comfort zone into the lives of others. Then, we’ll gather together for a writing workshop involving the whole family. Come prepared with funny stories, favorite pranks, important memories, and family photos so you can create your very own scrapbook of home. This FREE workshop is for children and adults of all ages!
Extra! Extra!—A Journey into Journalism
Thurs, December 3, 2009
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Daily News Building
400 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia
Taught by Dan Gross
Ages 10+
LIMITED TO 10 STUDENTS!
Journalist Dan Gross will lead us through the newsroom at the Daily News—and through the ins and outs of writing for newspapers! We’ll learn to write attention-grabbing headlines, exciting intros, and stellar stories.
Mysteries Revealed!
Sat, November 14, 2009
2:00–3:30 p.m.
Moonstone Arts Center (formerly Robin’s Bookstore)
110A S. 13th Street, Philadelphia
Taught by Dennis Tafoya
Ages 8+
Taking inspiration from the award-winning children’s book Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg, we’ll write our own strange and funny story books. Van Allsburg couples illustrations with a single caption, leaving the reader to ponder the rest of the story behind the picture. Whether you’re inspired by one of Van Allsburg’s pictures and want to expand on it, or you prefer to create a mysterious set of your own pictures and captions, come prepared to think, laugh, and write, write, write!
Author Workshop with Diana Rodriguez Wallach
Author of the Amor and Summer Secrets Series
Wed, October 28, 2009
4:00–5:30 p.m.
University City Arts League
4226 Spruce Street, Philadelphia
Taught by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
Ages 11–18
Diana Rodriguez Wallach, author of the acclaimed YA novel series Amor and Summer Secrets and a Spells Advisory Board member, will conduct an interactive writing workshop for students in grades 6–12. Diana will share the first chapter of her novel and discuss the process of taking real-life tidbits and turning them into works of fiction. Workshop participants will then have the opportunity to tell their own stories using facts, exaggerations, or just plain fabrications of their lives. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to get inside the head of a real YA fiction author!
Brainstorming Bonanza!
Thurs, October 22, 2009
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Big Blue Marble Bookstore
551 Carpenter Lane, Mt. Airy
Taught by Alice Wootson
Ages 10+
Want to write a story, but not sure where to start? Get ready to be inspired! In this workshop, we’ll explore some of the ways professional writers get their ideas for plot, characters, and setting and get our creative juices flowing for stories of our own. By the end of this workshop, young writers will get a start on writing their original stories.
Read, Write, and Draw Your Neighborhood
Family Writing Workshop
Sat, October 17, 2009
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Semilla Arts Initiative
Painted Bride Art Center
230 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
All ages
The Painted Bride Art Center and Spells Writing Center have joined forces to start a new Family Writing Series inspired by the artwork displayed in the Bride’s Independence Foundation Gallery for the Visual Arts. In Spanish, the word “semilla” means seed. And the Semilla Arts Initiative are seeds for change in their North Philadelphia barrio. Their artistic collaborations with community members are a means of cultural preservation as well as individual and community empowerment.
Semilla’s exhibit, Dignity Transforms, presents the community work and studio work of Pedro Ospina and Betsy Casanas in a two-part multimedia installation comprised of interviews, portraits, drawings, paintings, photos and mixed media pieces. This is not an art “installation” but rather an art “intervention” that documents the creative process of two community artists working on the streets, to initiate transformation on the community and its members.
Children and their parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins are invited to an exclusive tour of the Semilla Arts Initiative’s multi-media installation with the artists, Pedro Ospina and Betsy Casanas. The tour will be followed by an interactive writing workshop where families will work together to create poems, stories, and illustrations about their own neighborhoods, past and present. This FREE workshop is for children and adults of all ages!
Heh, Heh, Heh…It’s Funny ‘Cause It’s True!
with Matt Selman, Emmy Award–winning Writer/Exec Producer of The Simpsons
Sat, October 3, 2009
3:30–5:30 p.m.
Head House Books
619 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia
Ages 10+
Join us for this special comedy writing event led by Matt Selman, Emmy Award–winning Writer/Executive Producer for The Simpsons. This workshop will teach students how to be more observant about their own feelings and experiences to factor them into their writing. Matt will discuss the process of translating his own observations about life into his comic screenwriting and attempt to rewire your brain so you too can become a writing machine!
Matt Selman is a writer/producer who has worked on eleven seasons and over two hundred episodes of The Simpsons. He currently serves as an Executive Producer. The Simpsons episodes Selman has written or co-written include “Natural Born Kissers,” “Simpsons Bible Stories,” “They Saved Lisa’s Brain” (guest starring Dr. Stephen Hawking), “Eight Misbehavin’,” “Behind the Laughter,” “Lisa the Treehugger,” “Trilogy of Error,” “Simpsons Tall Tales,” “Jaws Wired Shut,” “The Dad Who Knew Too Little,” “All’s Fair In Oven War,” “Pranksta Rap,” “Future Drama,” “Girls Just Want To Have Sums,” “The Haw-Hawed Couple,” and “Husbands and Knives.” He was also one of the writers on The Simpsons Movie and the head writer for The Simpsons Game. He has won four Emmys and a Writer’s Guild of America Award.
Creative Cards
Make the Perfect Greeting Card for Any Situation
Sat, September 26, 2009
2:00–3:30 p.m.
Norcom Community Center
10980 Norcom Road, Northeast Philly
Taught by Karen Zaino
Whether you want to thank, congratulate, apologize, compliment, or just say hi, greeting cards are a great way to express your deepest feelings—and your silliest sentiments. In this workshop, we’ll make wonderful, wacky, and just plain weird greeting cards to take home and deliver that day!
Magic Gardens
Mon, August 31, 2009
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Limited to 25 kids!!
Ages 8+
In Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street, local artist Isaiah Zagar has created a fascinating world of mosaics made from found objects. Here, bicycle tires, broken bottles, and even baby toys are suddenly transformed into art. Join Spells Writing Center as we enter Zagar’s world and imagine the stories behind the objects embeded in the walls, floors, and ceilings!
If I Wrote the Rules…
Tues, August 25, 2009
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Head House Books
619 South Second Street
Taught by Caroline Tiger
Ages 8+
Adults are very fond of making lists of do’s and don’ts, of telling us how to behave and how not to behave, of saying when we should and when we shouldn’t. In this workshop, we’ll talk about etiquette: what is it, anyway? Why is it rewritten every few years? What are the golden rules of etiquette? And what would you change about these rules if you had the chance? We’ll write our own rules—the ones that everyone else would have to follow if we ruled the world. At the end of this one and a half hour workshop, we’ll have the beginnings of our very own guides—and anti-guides—to modern manners.
Animal Tails
Tues, August 18, 2009
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Head House Books
619 South Second Street
Taught by Elizabeth Encarnacion
Can you describe a day in the life of a zebra at the zoo? If you were a turtle, what games would you play with your friends? What subjects would a kangaroo study in school? When you enter the door to this workshop, you’ll temporarily transform into an animal author who wants to write about your day-to-day life. We’ll take inspiration from some of your fellow critters who’ve written their own personal journals, and exercise our acting skills by behaving like our animal alter egos in different situations. Then we’ll write and illustrate our own animal diaries, explaining to humans how we spend our days: what our animal families are like, the sports we play, what we eat for dinner, and what we really think about the human race. So check your human nature at the door and come prepared to see things from an animal’s point of view!
Magic Words: How to Get What You Want
Tues, August 11, 2009
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Head House Books
619 South Second Street
Taught by Erec Smith
Do you have trouble convincing your parents to let you get your own way? Do they always allow your sister do whatever she wants, but never let you do anything? Does it seem like their favorite word is “No”? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this is the workshop for you! We’ll work on creating clear, strong, and effective arguments that will persuade even the toughest audience: your parents. Learn how to impress the adults in your life with your logic and reasoning so they begin to see things your way. Whether you’re asking for a raise in your allowance, more video game time, or a night out with friends, this workshop will help you be as convincing as possible.
Create a Creature
Thurs., July 30, 2009
Germ Books & Gallery
2005 Frankford Avenue, Fishtown
Taught by Peter Crowell
Best for children in grades 2-6, but open for all ages.
What if you had your very own mythical magical beast? Would it fly? Would it have a tail? Would it speak French? Join us for a Create a Creature workshop led by children’s fantasy author Peter Crowell, who will also give away copies of his book, Silverlance, to every kid who attends. Create a character of your very own!
Screenwriting Workshop
Workshop series at the UPenn Upward Bound Summer Residential Program
Taught by Angelina Sciolla
Fire Prevention Playwriting Workshop
Workshop series at Olney Recreation Center
Write Your Own Fairy Tale
Sat., July 11, 2009
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Big Blue Marble Books
551 Carpenter Lane, Mt. Airy
Taught by Angelina Sciolla
Best for children in grades 2-6, but open for all ages.
Join Spells for Write Your Own Fairy Tale, a free wonderful and wacky writing workshop. Led by educator and author Angelina Sciolla, the program includes readings of favorite stories and culminates with each child writing a unique timeless tale.
Colors & Senses
Wed., June 24, 2009
Workshop at the Fairmount Art Center‘s Summer Art Camp
Taught by Christina Rose Dubb and Jenn McCreary
After reading some color-centric poetry—My Many Colored Days, by Dr. Seuss, and Hailstones and Halibut Bones, by Mary O’Neill—we’ll brainstorm about words that describe color and discuss the five senses as applied to color. (“How do we imagine pink would taste?”) Together, the group will collaborate on a poem about a single color. Students will then choose a color of their own and visit “sense stations” to get their creativity flowing by smelling/feeling/tasting/seeing/touching different things. Then everyone works individually on a poem about their personal colors.
Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder Street
Philadelphia, PA 19133
267-670-0869
info@phillyspells.org
