WORKSHOP: Dialogue and Subtext with George Kemp

Schedule

Sun Sep 27 2026 at 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

UTC+10:00
Location

141 Cascade St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia | Katoomba , NS

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When two characters speak to each other, each line of dialogue should be active, and each line should be a chance to get what the character wants. Whether a character is asking for a cup of tea or a divorce, we want meaning to be buzzing underneath.
Creating dialogue is difficult, thrilling and loads of fun. George Kemp, author of the critically acclaimed novel Soft Serve, brings his background as a playwright and actor to this entertaining and enlightening full-day course for fiction writers: DIALOGUE AND SUBTEXT.
Deep-dive into the fascinating space between what a character says and what they actually mean.
A light lunch of warming vegetable soup and sourdough bread will be offered to all participants. If you would prefer to bring your own lunch please feel very welcome to use our fridge and microwave.
This workshop is an 18+ event.
/ ABOUT GEORGE KEMP /
George is a writer for stage, page and screen. His critically acclaimed debut novel Soft Serve was published in February by UQP and his work has been featured in Sweaty City magazine, Spectrum, Queerstories, The Faber Anthology and an upcoming edition of Griffith Review. His award-winning play Shack has been performed frequently around the country and internationally, from Toowoomba to Tokyo to Texas and is included on the NSW Drama Curriculum.
George has had a successful career as an actor across Australia and England, in productions such as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Cyrano de Bergerac for Sydney Theatre Company, as well as multiple national and international tours. He is a passionate educator and mentor of writers and actors, and is currently Producer of New Writing & Artist Development at Australian Theatre for Young People.
/ VENUE, PARKING & ACCESS /
- This is a seated event.
- Parking onsite is limited to individuals with access needs. Please email [email protected] to request a suitable parking spot.
- Drivers can drop off their passengers onsite and then move to the recommended parking area.
- Recommended parking is kerbside on Cascade St (not Sherman Avenue) and walking to Varuna's main entry.
- Varuna's driveway, car park and gardens are uneven and care is recommended when accessing the property at all times.
- If you require T-loop, closed captions, Auslan interpreters or accessible parking, please contact Varuna directly on [email protected] or call 02 4782 5674 to speak to Erin English.
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Where is it happening?

141 Cascade St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia, 141 Cascade St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia, Katoomba

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Varuna, The National Writers' House
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