On Aug. 8, the Beat the Block writing series will bring together writers from across Wellington County to hone their skills through improvisational theory and games.
The Beat the Block workshop teaches a system of narrative development inspired by Keith Johnston, author of Impro. Pairing traditional improvisational games with writing exercises, the workshop is designed to help writers of all skill levels and backgrounds to free associate, develop narrative skills, and build motivated characters.
“We all get blocked when we start to edit ourselves,” said Kevin Nunn. “The workshop teaches you to stop thinking, to feel the thread of the story, and follow it wherever it goes.”
Having packed the classroom in Toronto at the debut of the workshop, Nunn felt it was time to run a workshop locally. “There’s an amazing vibrancy to the writing community in Guelph. Thomas King, Janice Kulyk Keefer, Dionne Brand – these major figures in the Canadian literary scene have been building up the local talent and training new writers. I love being part of that kind of creative energy.”
Nunn has been performing or teaching improvisation since he stumbled into TheatreSports in the 1980s. Specializing in masked and historical theatre, he has taught as a guest artist at universities, colleges, high schools, and public schools throughout the country. As a writer, he produced prolifically for the stage with various comedy troupes including Lichen to Gods, as well as publishing several board games and role-playing systems.
Recent fiction publications include his story Fatherly Love, in The Harrow, and The Sun Also Shines on the Wicked, in the new anthology from Edge Publishing, Vampires Evolve.
The Beat the Block workshop will take place on Aug. 8 at the Unitarian Congregation of Guelph, easily accessible by bus or car. Cost for the full day is $65, with discounts for students and some local organizations. Space is limited. To register, visit http://btbworkshop.webs.com/registration.htm.
For further information about the Beat the Block workshop series, visit that web site or contact Nunn at nunnetal@rogers.com or phone at 519-763-4259.
