Belin-Blank Center

About the Program

The Workshop for Young Writers is an amazing opportunity for students in grades 6-8 to learn and grow as writers. Explore new and familiar genres, strengthen your writing technique, receive individualized feedback on your work, and enjoy a community of young authors who will stretch you as a writer. The WFYW will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday. Class will be taught synchronously (live with in-person instructors; no recordings) to make the experience as engaging as possible.

The Workshop for Young Writers takes place online via Zoom from July 31 - August 4, 2023.

You will spend most of your day in an intensive writing atmosphere, building a community with other inspired young writers - all from the comfort of your own home. Check out the schedule below and remember that the times listed are in US Central Daylight Time (UTC -5:00):

9:30-10:30 AM
Workshop A: Half of the class will meet to share their writing and receive individualized feedback.

10:30 AM-Noon
Writing Right: Learn fundamentals of creative writing as they apply to various forms.

Noon-1:00 PM
Break

1:00-2:30 PM
Exploration of Writing Forms: Explore writing in different genres, familiar and untried.

2:30-3:30 PM
Workshop B: Half of the class will meet to share their writing and receive individualized feedback.

Nina Morrison is a playwright, director and teaching artist. She is the Provost's Postgraduate Visiting Writer in Playwriting 2019-2020 at the University of Iowa. Select recent credits: Nina’s play Féminaal was presented in Minneapolis by The Grumble Theater; her play Ibsanity was presented in the mainstage season at Fordham University, NYC; she directed Young Jean Lee’s Straight White Men at Riverside Theatre. She was a finalist for New Dramatists in 2018 and 2019, and a 2019 finalist for the Jerome. Nina is currently based in Iowa City. Before Iowa, she was based in New York City for 17 years where her work as a playwright and director was presented at Dixon Place, HERE Arts Center, The HOT! Festival, the Little Theatre series, the NYC International Fringe Festival, Upright Citizens Brigade, The Peoples’ Improv Theater, and the Yardmeter series among others. Nina was a Dixon Place Artist-in-Residence, and she was an LMCC WORKSPACE Writer-in-Residence, a residency program of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. She holds an MFA in Directing and an MFA in Playwriting both from the University of Iowa.

How to Apply

Ready to apply? We're here to help with all the information you will need in order to complete the application process.

Application Process

Students in grades 6–8 may apply. We are admitting students on a rolling basis. The application includes;

One essay on what inspires you as a writer.
One sample of your writing.

Selection

Completed applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of faculty and staff from The University of Iowa.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for this program have closed. However, you may still log in if you have already applied.

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After You're Accepted

You can look forward to a fun and enriching summer! Here you can find answers to all the pressing questions you may have while making your plans to join us.

Cost & Financial Aid

Cost

The cost of the Workshop for Young Writers is $550.

Payment Options

Pay the entire amount on a credit card.
Pay in three equal monthly installments using a credit card.

Financial Aid

You may be awarded financial aid for up to half the cost of the program. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, while funds are available. Eligibility is typically determined by qualifying for free or reduced-priced lunch. After your information is reviewed, a decision will be made, and you will receive an email regarding the amount of your award. Awards will be applied directly to your program fees.

Technology

Students will be using the University of Iowa's digital learning platform UI Learn to manage course discussions, materials and assignments. The University also uses Zoom for in-person discussions. Please make sure the device you plan to use during the Workshop for Young Writers is capable and that you are comfortable with these platforms.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel, please email the Belin-Blank Center at summer@belinblank.org as soon as possible to decline the acceptance so that a student on the waiting list may attend. A $100 cancellation fee will be retained for all cancellations. Cancellations after July 1 may not be refunded.