We offer free evening and weekend workshops designed to foster creativity, strengthen writing skills, and provide students with a forum for executing projects they might not otherwise have the support to undertake. Workshops range from the playful to the practical, and all are taught by volunteer writers, artists, educators, and publishing professionals.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased demand, enrollment for workshops are now determined by lottery. Once you have signed up for a workshop, please look for an email from workshops@826nyc.org, verifying that we have received your request. If you have not heard from us after 48 hours, feel free to call.
Our workshops are limited enrollment and often generate wait lists. With this in mind, please only sign up if you can make every session of a workshop. Thank you!
Publish the Greatest Story Never Told
8 Tuesday sessions: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1 (2010)
6-8pm
Taught by 826NYC
For High School Students
New Yorker. High School Student. Published Author? At this eight-week workshop, you can be all three. Working side-by-side with professional writers, you'll explore your voice in an original nonfiction work.
In these eight sessions you'll share your unique perspective on the life of an NYC student, and then see your story printed in a book. A real book. A book with an ISBN, for sale on Amazon. No two stories are alike, and our final product will reflect the diverse experiences of people across the city.
The workshop is free and will meet in eight sessions. Each student must attend all sessions and complete any additional work required.
Homemade Adventures
4 Monday sessions: March 1, 8, 15, 22 (2010)
6-7:30pm
Taught by Randall Lotowycz
For ages 9-12
Are you ready to go on an adventure? Want to scale a great mountain or pursue buried treasure at the bottom of the sea? Perhaps sail to an uncharted tropical island? It's time to get packing! There's just one catch: you can only bring stuff around your house - a bed sheet, a couple of forks, empty water bottles, or even a couch cushion. With a little thought and creativity, you'll find you have everything you need to journey to the ends of the world and back.
In this workshop, you'll prep for your dream journey and write your own exciting short story chronicling the trip and how you used your everyday, ordinary stuff in extraordinary ways!
Monsters, Mayhem, and Merriment (Oh My!)
3 Sunday sessions: February 28, March 7, 14 (2010)
12-1:30pm
Taught by 826NYC
For ages 6-8
Has the monster under your bed been keeping you awake at night with his snoring? Do you wonder why your mom hasn't asked you about the slime all over her hardwood floors? Does your best friend have six eyes, and answer to the name "Gigantor?" If you are reading this and vigorously nodding your head YES, then come join us at 826NYC for a literary Monster-bash, where you can bring your favorite monsters to life. Feel free to bring your monster or imaginary friend (as long as they are both housebroken)...
Please, no zombies need apply.
And Then The Lights Went Out
4 Tuesday sessions: February 23, March 2, 9, 16 (2010)
6-7:30pm
Taught by Nathan Schreiber and Chris Sinderson
For ages 10-14
You've finished your homework, brushed your teeth, and are all tucked into bed. And then the lights go out. What fantastic (or boring) adventure takes place before you get up to go to school? Your comic will tell it all!
This workshop will help each student create their own four page comic book story. We will explore how to visually tell a story using the processes of a professional cartoonist. The first week, we will brainstorm story ideas, sketch page layouts, and explore character design. The second and third weeks will focus on penciling what you see in your head and lettering your story. The final week we will put the finishing touches on our drawings by adding some color. No drawing experience required, just a healthy imagination!
Project Superhero
3 Sunday sessions: January 24, 31, February 7 (2010)
12-1:30pm
Taught by Lisa O'Toole
For ages 6-8
Every superhero has a unique origin story - and a unique look! Both of these things help our heroes battle foes and stand out in the super crowd. Where did your superhero find her/his powers? Does s/he use a utility belt, a mask to hide an identity, or a rocket-propelled backpack?
In this workshop you'll answer these questions and more - by writing your own original superhero story and designing a unique, fabulous super costume!
Roll for Initiative: Create Your Own Role-Playing Game
5 Thursday sessions: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 (2010)
6-8pm
Taught by 826NYC
For ages 10-14
Help Wanted: Intrepid adventurers needed for quest through mysterious tower. Applicants must be motivated self-starters with some skill in magic, sword-fighting, or thieving arts (or some combination of the above). Although the salary is less-than-desirable, you are allowed to take home any gold and/or magical artifacts you may find during your time here. Vivid imaginations a must. We are not responsible for any loss of life, limb, or sanity. Non-humans are welcome to apply, though shiftless gnomes will be considered on a case by case basis.
The rest of the story is up to you.
