The Art of Writing: An 8-Week Writing Workshop Across Genres

NO CLASS JULY 3

The Art of Writing is an 8-week generative writing workshop designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and explore a variety of writing forms. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this course offers a space to experiment, grow, and share your voice.

Each week focuses on a different genre—from prose fiction and nonfiction to screenwriting and poetry—with guided prompts and peer critiques in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1: Introductions & creative warm-up prompts

Weeks 2–3: Prose fiction prompts + gentle feedback

Week 4: Nonfiction prompts + light critiques

Week 5: Script/Screenplay exercises + feedback

Week 6: Poetry prompts + optional critique

Week 7: Submit pieces to Story Factory; more prompts + sharing

Week 8: How to format your work & where to publish

By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of fresh writing across genres, peer feedback, and practical tools to continue your writing journey beyond the workshop.

Come ready to write, share, and grow.

This workshop is open to writers of all levels and genres.

For Ages 15+

Instructor: Kay Hanifen

Tuition: $300

Prep for Publication: An 8-Week Writing Workshop

NO CLASS JULY 4

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Prep for Publication is an 8-week intensive writing workshop designed for writers who are ready to polish their work and explore the path to publication. Whether you're refining short stories, personal essays, or creative nonfiction, this workshop offers a supportive space to grow your craft and gain insight into the literary world.

Each week, we’ll combine thoughtful critique, generative writing prompts, and practical guidance on submitting your work for publication. By the end, you'll have two polished pieces, a deeper understanding of the submission process, and a list of resources to keep you moving forward.

Workshop Schedule:

Week 1: Introductions, formatting tips, critique ground rules, key resources, and writing prompt exercises to spark creativity

Weeks 2–6: Workshop and critique two pieces from each participant + weekly reading discussions and generative writing prompts

Week 7: Submit your final drafts for Story Factory, learn where to submit your work, and demystify the publication process

Week 8: Literary Magazine Workshop — dive into real lit mags to understand what editors look for and how to tailor your submissions

This workshop is ideal for writers looking to share their work, receive feedback, and gain the confidence to submit to publications. Bring your voice, your stories, and your curiosity—we’ll take care of the rest.

For Ages 15+

Instructor: Kay Hanifen

Tuition: $300, Payment plan eligible

This is for registration for our Summer Senior Intensive Early Access.

 "Omigod. Omigod you guys."

This early access price is only available until December 15.  Membership discount still applies, equaling a total savings of $189.25 for ARTfactory members.

Early Access has expired.  

Tuition of $595 (505.75 with Membership) may be paid in full or with an installment plan.

Installment Plan is as follows:

Non-Refundable Deposit of $150 ($127.50 with membership) to secure your spot due by January 15.

Payment #2 $150 ($127.50 with membership) due by February 15

Payment #3 $150 ($127.50 with membership) due by March 15

Payment #3 $145 ($123.25 with membership) due by April 15

If you are not a member and wish to join, click on this link Membership. 

Early Access has ended for High School Musical Junior

This is a three week intensive.  The hours are 9 am - 3 pm.  There are three performances:  July 25 at 7, July 26 and 27 at 2 and 7 pm.  Tuition includes a tshirt and two complimentary tickets.

Tuition may be paid in one lump sum ($700 or $595 with Membership) or may be divided as follows:

$200 ($170 with Membership) Non-Refundable Deposit will secure your spot.  Due by January 15

Payment #2 $175 ($148.75 with Membership) due by February 15

Payment #3 $175 ($148.75 with Membership) due by March 15

Payment #4 $150 ($127.50 with Membership) due by April 15.

If you are not a member and wish to join, click on this link Membership. 

The Land of Forgotten Toys: A Christmas Musical

A Pied Piper Theatre Intensive

Music and Lyrics by Dylan MarcAurele

Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Enchin and Jaclyn Enchin

Additional lyrics by Mike Ross

Story and Characters by Larry Little

The Land of Forgotten Toys follows Grace, a brilliant young woman with big dreams and a passion for astronomy, who is stuck at a dead-end job at a toy store three days before Christmas. When she is transported to the Land of Forgotten Toys, everything changes. Christmas is in trouble—and it’s up to Grace and her rag-tag crew of forgotten and broken toys to save it!

Directed by: Vince Worthington

Music Direction: Shelby Mejia

Stage Manager: Jules Gedney

Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays starting October 14th from 5:30-7:30pm at Baldwin Elementary School

NO REHEARSALS ON 11/25 or 11/27 FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK

Tech Week Rehearsals: Monday, December 8-Wednesday, December 10 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the ARTfactory

Performances: Thursday, December 11, Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 7pm; Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 at 2 pm at the ARTfactory

Every actor who registers will have a part in the show. Auditions will be held the first class to decide parts. Attendance is an important part of putting together a successful show. All young actors are required to attend all tech rehearsals and performances. 

Cast of Characters

Grace, 17 years old, bright, committed, driven. Loves Astronomy but is stuck in a dead-end job at SheTOYgan. (A3-D#5, belter)

Nikki, 19 years old, loves Christmas, and works with Grace at SheTOYgan. A ray of sunshine personified. (A3-E5, belter or mix)Schmedrick, an awkward, anxious, and scatterbrained elf. Dreams of being a repairman. (D3-G4)

Charlotte/Charlotta:

Charlotte, Grace’s aunt, begrudgingly runs SheTOYgan, but dreams of giving it up for a “real career.” (G#3-B4)

Charlotta, Santa’s younger sister. Devious, cunning, and ready to make a profit on Christmas.

Santa (and Customer, Icicle Giant, Dad), Jolly Ole Saint Nicholas himself.Elf 1 (and Customer), Charlotta’s scheming henchmen.

Elf 2 (and Customer), Charlotta’s scheming henchmen.

Queen of The Northern Sky (and Customer, Mom), human embodiment of the constellation Cassiopeia. Rules over The Land of Forgotten Toys.

Karaoke (and Customer), female. Lives to inspire with music, has a lot of charisma. (Db4-Db5, belter)

Fun Oven Supreme (and Customer), female.

Northern-mother type. (Bb3-Db5)

Barbara (and Customer) female. Classic looking Barbie Doll with a tough contemporary edge. (A3-Db5, gentle mix)

Trivia (and Customer), male. A bit of a know-it-all. (C3-D4; if a tenor, higher harmonies in ensemble moments)

Game Dude (and Customer) male. Fun, party-time jock, lives for the thrill. (C4-A4 if child actor with unchanged voice; if a tenor, higher harmonies and alternate solo notes provided)

Taxi Cab (and Customer), male. Smart, and a bit sassy.

Customers, various ages, frantically trying to nab the best gift three days before Christmas at SheTOYgan.