"Creating Characters That Drive Your Story" presented by Del Shores

This workshop is for anybody who has a story to tell, and for all levels of experience. Del Shores approaches writing as an extension of acting, teaching how to write from the characters' point of view to create authentic, compelling stories.

• Creating fully developed characters
• Writing authentic dialogue
• Understanding story structure across stage, film, and TV
• Finding your own creative path as a non-traditionalist approach
• How well-drawn characters will take you on a journey

As Del explains: "I started as an actor. I'm still an actor, although I now wear other hats more often. But everything I do – including my writing – is an extension of my acting... Create the characters and they will take you on a journey!"

Del takes a non-traditionalist approach to structure and encourages writers to find their own path by allowing their creative muse to find their characters. This hands-on workshop includes fun writing exercises focusing on finding and creating characters. You'll learn how to dig deep to create full characters with real dialogue and discover how developed, well-drawn characters will drive your story forward.

Del Shores is an acclaimed writer, director, and producer who has worked successfully across studio and independent film, network and cable television, and regional and national touring theatre.

Notable Works: Writer/director/producer of "Sordid Lives," "Blues for Willadean," "Southern Baptist Sissies," and "A Very Sordid Wedding." He wrote and executive produced the MGM feature "Daddy's Dyin'... Who's Got The Will?" and created the LOGO series "Sordid Lives: The Series."

Television Credits: Writer and executive producer on Showtime's groundbreaking "Queer As Folk" for three seasons, plus "Dharma & Greg" and "Ned & Stacey."

Theatre: Author of twelve plays produced thousands of times worldwide, with five adapted for screen. Published by Samuel French/Concord.

Del has directed Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer, Grammy winner Olivia Newton-John, and Emmy winners/nominees including Beau Bridges, Delta Burke, Leslie Jordan, and Rue McClanahan.

Host or Publisher Stamped Film Festival