This series of three workshops invites participants to explore creative writing through the lens of nature, memory (both communal and personal), and humanity. Drawing inspiration from Central Florida’s landscape, unique history, and literary voices—especially Zora Neale Hurston’s—we’ll experiment with poetry and prose to discover and discuss how personal and regional stories shape creative expression. Our readings will focus on readings from historically marginalized & intersectional identities.By the end of the course, participants will have a small portfolio of new writing, a reading list of excerpted longer works, and a deeper understanding of how to use sensory detail, figurative language, character, and self-reflection to bring their work to life. Selected student work will be exhibited online in conjunction with the NEA's Big Read: Their Eyes Were Watching God celebration.

Timeline: Workshop #1: Humanity vs. Nature: Writing Our Living World - Monday, March 9, 6 - 9 pm at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center

Workshop #2: Memoir Poetry & the Voice of Memory - Monday, March 16, 6 - 9pm at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center

Workshop #3: Zora Neale Hurston & the Culture of Central Florida - Monday, March 23, 6 - 9pm at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center

Acting With Heart is open to middle and high school students with and without disabilities. Registered students will work on contemporary acting scenes with teaching artists trained in working with diverse students. Each actor is challenged to bring their character to life using their own unique talents and abilities. The class culminates in a showcase for friends and family. 

This class is offered free of charge, thanks to a generous grant from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.