Our stories and our feelings about them matter. Honor them.
Telling our stories helps to connect and remind us all that we have more in common than we know. I specialize in helping people who are tired of feeling unseen and unheard because they fear the rejection that might come when they tell the truth of their lived experience. Working with me, using my proven writing prompts and guidance on structuring a story, I transform their uncertainty and resistance into confident, truthful storytelling about their unique yet relatable lives, so they can stop having to choose between having their voice in the world and stifling themselves, and get on with the business of connection and expansion. Scroll down or click on the menu bar above for testimonials. To take a free session of my Tell Your Story workshop, click here.
In these workshops, you'll receive:
• great writing prompts
• weekly messages with links to inspiring articles/interviews between sessions
• assignments that help you to make real progress
• handout with helpful writing tips, recommended reading & viewing, and more
• help drafting an outline for your show
• guidance from a professional, internationally touring solo performer and published essayist who grew up interculturally
• my free eBook with more tips on creating a solo show or memoir
...all in a safe space that honors your story and your feelings about it. I'd love for you to join me.
• weekly messages with links to inspiring articles/interviews between sessions
• assignments that help you to make real progress
• handout with helpful writing tips, recommended reading & viewing, and more
• help drafting an outline for your show
• guidance from a professional, internationally touring solo performer and published essayist who grew up interculturally
• my free eBook with more tips on creating a solo show or memoir
...all in a safe space that honors your story and your feelings about it. I'd love for you to join me.
To take a free session of my Tell Your Story workshop, watch this:
OFFERINGS
click for details
2023 SCHEDULE
Workshops in ALL Time Zones!
(Discounts for former participants.)
Memoir & Solo Show Workshop via Zoom
Sundays, 11am-1pm, Pacific Time
February 5 - March 19 (6 sessions--NO CLASS Feb. 19)
April 16 - May 21 (6 sessions)
Fall workshop dates TBD (price will be higher)
You will walk away with rich material, an outline, and a finessed scene or chapter that’s ready to share outside of class!
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3-Month Immersive: Solo Show or Memoir online
DATE CHANGE: Mondays, March 27 - June 12, early evenings PDT (exact time TBD)
On top of 3 months of weekly classes, this is also included:
DATE CHANGE: Mondays, March 27 - June 12, early evenings PDT (exact time TBD)
NO CLASS May 29
2ND COHORT: Thursdays, March 30 - June 15, early evenings PDT (exact time TBD)
(This workshop will be lead a second time this year--perfect for those who want to finish the draft they began in March. Dates TBD.) You will walk away with a 30-minute performable draft and a staged reading for your invited audience!
•
1 private coaching session
• 1 written script assessment
• Handouts: on creation timeline, structure, writing/creativity tips, recommended reading & viewing
• 2 Monthly Pop-in Workshops on first Fridays
• 30 min in-class performance/reading with feedback as preparation for the final workshop performance/reading
• Live-streamed workshop performance or reading for an invited audience
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"Jumpstart Your Story" via Skype
You will walk away with rich material, an outline, and inspiration to continue creating beyond the workshop!
$200 (inquire about discount for former participants)
Saturday, 12-5pm Pacific Time (one 5-hour session)
June 3 You will walk away with rich material, an outline, and inspiration to continue creating beyond the workshop!
$200 (inquire about discount for former participants)
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Dates TBD, early evenings Pacific Time
You will walk away with a complete draft and a staged reading for your first audience!
On top of 6 months of weekly classes, this is also included: •
3 private coaching sessions
• 2 script critiques
• Handouts: on creation timeline, structure, writing/creativity tips, recommended reading & viewing
• 3 FREE Monthly Pop-in Workshops on first Fridays
• 30 min in-class performances/readings with written feedback to allow you to workshop large chunks of material & prepare you for the final workshop performance/reading
• Full-length live-streamed workshop performance or reading for an invited audience.
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Pop-in Workshops via Skype or MS Teams
First Friday of the month, 12pm Pacific Time
60-90 minutes depending on number of participants
April 7 | May 5 | Future dates TBD, this is no longer monthly
1 writing prompt, then share material you’ve brought in for feedback
First Friday of the month, 12pm Pacific Time
60-90 minutes depending on number of participants
April 7 | May 5 | Future dates TBD, this is no longer monthly
1 writing prompt, then share material you’ve brought in for feedback
Click here to register.
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To schedule a free phone or Skype chat to discuss your project and my workshop rates, here is my meeting calendar.
Pick a time/date that works for you!
One-on-One Solo Show Coaching
I also work one-on-one with solo show creators who are unable to participate in group workshops. Meetings are online.
I also work one-on-one with solo show creators who are unable to participate in group workshops. Meetings are online.
click for details
Weekly Solo Show Coaching
For 6 weeks, I will work with you once per week online. Each session is an hour long (with leeway for an added 10-15 minutes if needed). You present 20 minutes of your work on your feet and then I work with you on it for the rest of the session. Sometimes you’ll work on more than one 20-minute segment, depending on how many notes I have.
You’ll bring a recording device to each session in order to later transcribe improvisations, notes, and your spoken answers to questions. The recording device is an invaluable tool in the creation process.
Homework is assigned if necessary, depending on how much material you have already.
$500
Monthly Solo Show Coaching
For 6 months, I work with you once per month online. Each session is an hour long (with leeway for an added 10-15 minutes if needed). The process is the same as it is in the Weekly Coaching; it’s simply less frequent.
$500
Solo Show Coaching + Script Assessment
This package is for people who want to have a first draft or revised draft and are willing to put in the effort to make it happen. It includes:
• 6 weekly or monthly coaching sessions
• 1 in-depth written script assessment
• Final (7th) session, where you present your draft, receive final notes, and are congratulated on your tremendous achievement!
The entire process is covered in 10 weeks or 7 months, depending on the frequency of meetings (weekly or monthly).
$950
The Kickstart Your Solo Show session
Sometimes all you need is 90 laser-focused minutes of coaching to kickstart the process of creating your solo show. You’ll get:
• in-session writing prompts
• feedback on any material you bring in
• suggestions for how to open and/or close your show by the end of the session
• a handout of helpful tips to send you on your way. This session kicks your butt into gear.
$150
To schedule a free phone or Skype chat to discuss your project, here is my meeting calendar.
Pick a time/date that works for you!
Assessment of Memoir Manuscripts
Separate from my workshops, I also assess memoirs that are "in process" or not at their final draft.
click for details
“They might be the smartest, most insightful and helpful notes I've ever received. Thank you again. I'm sending everybody I know to you.”
- Scott Barry, Playwright/Screenwriter/Solo Performer
I read your manuscript thoroughly, looking at story/content, narrative voice, character arc, plot, structure, back story, consistency, clarity, and syntax. I also give general feedback on grammar and punctuation if necessary. (This does not include formal proofreading or copyediting; rather, I give examples when there are numerous errors.) You have several options:
- Scott Barry, Playwright/Screenwriter/Solo Performer
I read your manuscript thoroughly, looking at story/content, narrative voice, character arc, plot, structure, back story, consistency, clarity, and syntax. I also give general feedback on grammar and punctuation if necessary. (This does not include formal proofreading or copyediting; rather, I give examples when there are numerous errors.) You have several options:
Written Assessment of Complete Draft
A constructive, detailed written assessment of your complete draft, which will be sent to you 4-6 weeks* after receiving your manuscript. (I will confirm the deadline with you.) Assessments are generally between 1,500 and 4,000 words (guideline only) depending on the material you submit.
*I also offer “short turnaround” assessments within 2 weeks of receiving manuscripts.
Telephoned/Video Chat Assessment of Complete Draft
A constructive, detailed assessment over the telephone or online, 4-6 weeks* after receiving your complete draft. (I will confirm the deadline with you.) Assessments over the telephone/online last between 30 and 60 minutes.
*I also offer “short turnaround” assessments within two weeks of receiving manuscripts.
Telephoned/Video Chat Assessment of Work in Progress
Constructive, detailed assessments over the telephone or online, 1-2 weeks after receiving each segment of your work-in-progress. (I will confirm each deadline with you.) We will have monthly meetings for 6-12 months as you work to complete your manuscript.
Written Mini-Assessment
A constructive, detailed written assessment of the first few chapters of your manuscript (up to 8,000 words). The assessment will be sent to you within 2 weeks of receiving your manuscript.
To schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project, here is my meeting calendar.
Pick a time/date that works for you!
Pick a time/date that works for you!
Workshops for International Schools, Colleges, & Universities
The workshops encourage and empower young people to explore the possibilities of intersectional and multicultural storytelling in a stimulating and enriching atmosphere.
The workshops encourage and empower young people to explore the possibilities of intersectional and multicultural storytelling in a stimulating and enriching atmosphere.
click for details
The workshops are humanistic and heuristic at their core. Participants feel safe to express themselves creatively and authentically in the environment I create. My workshops are for everyone, whether they're bookish or extroverted, a global citizen or have spent their whole life in the same place.
My pedagogical approach is rooted in a Socratic and collaborative structure, allowing pupils, foreign and domestic students alike, to spearhead positive change and moral development during and after the school day.
I nurture a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to express their desires and goals on the page and stage. This sparks academic and social development, enriches students' creative competencies, and is sure to make them lifelong learners.
The workshop and my film Alien Citizen are both perfect for anthropology/ sociology, ethnic studies, theatre, women’s & gender studies, study abroad programs, International Baccalaureate World Schools, bilingual schools,
My pedagogical approach is rooted in a Socratic and collaborative structure, allowing pupils, foreign and domestic students alike, to spearhead positive change and moral development during and after the school day.
I nurture a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to express their desires and goals on the page and stage. This sparks academic and social development, enriches students' creative competencies, and is sure to make them lifelong learners.
The workshop and my film Alien Citizen are both perfect for anthropology/ sociology, ethnic studies, theatre, women’s & gender studies, study abroad programs, International Baccalaureate World Schools, bilingual schools,
international trainings,
and other learning communities.
DISCLAIMER
These workshops are not an alternative to therapy, counseling, psychoanalysis, or support groups. I am not a mental health professional. I can only facilitate the telling of your story.
CONTACT ME
For more info on the workshops or assessments, please email me (Lisa) OR schedule a phone or Skype chat to discuss your project using my meeting calendar.
You can also sign up to receive my free eBook with writing prompts to get you started! You’ll also get monthly mesages with new prompts and updates on when the next workshops will begin.
I respect your privacy and will never, ever share your information with anyone.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PROFESSORS
"You were fantastic and you opened up so many possibilities for my students and helped create a dynamic class environment. We have really benefited from the workshop. I can't thank you enough."
-Laura Kina, Vincent de Paul Professor of Art, Media, and Design at DePaul University
"Elizabeth is an extraordinarily insightful thinker on others' life writing--I've seen her in action, asking people such perceptive questions and bringing them into their stories in ways they had never anticipated and found beautiful."
-Professor Wendy L. Belcher, Princeton University
Click here for more Testimonials from Professors
TESTIMONIALS FROM PARTICIPANTS
"It was filled with moments of great pleasure and great growth for me. To me, that is some of the most wonderful stuff in life, and I am tremendously grateful."
-Lisa Dring, Actor and Creator of the solo show Death Play
"Taking Lisa’s solo writing workshop is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It was amazing to see the evolution of my work in such a short amount of time. I had been working on a solo piece for 5 years and never really knew what it was truly about, or what catalyzed its creation. Lisa’s incredibly insightful questions have turned it into something honest, relatable and something I now need to perform. Lisa’s workshops were always the highlight of my week and she’s just as excited about seeing your work as you are about sharing it. I also loved how she encourages you between workshops with helpful articles and encouraging quotes about writing. Do yourself a favor and take this class!"
-Julie Gouin, Teacher/Writer/Actress
Click here for many more Testimonials from Participants
PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS
My eight+ years of leading workshops have produced inspiring results for participants at conferences, on college campuses, and in private sessions. See testimonials above and list of past workshops below.
click for list
LIST OF WORKSHOPS
Three-month cross-country workshop online in Sept-Dec 2022
Six-week cross-country workshop via Skype in July-August 2022
Five-week cross-country workshop via Skype in Oct-Nov 2022
Six-week cross-country workshop via Skype in July-August 2022
Six-week cross-country workshop via Skype in April-June 2022
Six-month cross-country
workshop via Skype in January-July 2022
75-minute workshop for Hillsborough Community College via Zoom in October 2021
90-minute workshop for University of Chicago via Zoom in May 2021
90-minute workshop for Tennessee Tech via Zoom in April 2021
Six-week international workshop via Skype in April-May 2021
Six-month international workshop via Skype in March-September 2021
90-minute workshop for Vassar College via Zoom in March 2021
Six-week international workshop via Skype in Jan-March 2021
Six-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in Jan-March 2021
5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in fall 2020
5-hour cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in fall 2020
6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in fall 2020
6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in summer-fall 2020
6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in summer 2020
6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in spring 2020
5-hour cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in spring 2020
3-hour workshop for Cal State L.A. in March 2020
90-minute workshop at TCK Symposium at Lewis & Clark College in February 2020
75-minute workshop at NAFSA XII Conference in November 2019
5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2019
3-hour workshop for Cal State L.A. in March 2020
90-minute workshop at TCK Symposium at Lewis & Clark College in February 2020
75-minute workshop at NAFSA XII Conference in November 2019
5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2019
3-week local (L.A.) workshop in April 2019
3-hour workshop for Wellesley College in March 2019
2-hour workshop for Saint Mary’s College (IN) in February 2019
5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in fall 2018
2-hour workshop for California State Summer School for the Arts at CalArts in July 2018
6-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2018
3-month cross-country workshop via Skype in winter/spring 2018
4-month local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in winter/spring 2018
5-hour local (L.A.) workshop at Chromolume Theatre in March 2018
90-minute workshop at the Critical Mixed Race Conference at University of Maryland in March 2018
2-week international workshop via Skype in February 2018
2-hour workshop at Bootleg Theater in November 2017
4-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in fall 2017
2-hour workshop at California State University, Los Angeles in October 2017
6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in summer-fall 2017
6-week local (L.A.) workshop at Chromolume Rehearsal Studio in summer-fall 2017
6-week international workshop via Skype in spring-summer 2017
6-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in spring 2017
6-week international workshop via Skype in spring 2017
5-week local (L.A.) workshop via Skype in winter 2017
6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in winter 2017
6-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in fall 2016
6-week international workshop via Skype in summer-fall 2016
6-week workshop at Chromolume Dance Studio in L.A. in summer 2016
Month-long cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in spring 2016
6-week international workshop via Skype in winter 2016
90-minute workshop as guest lecturer at DePaul University in September 2015
5-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in summer 2015
5-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in summer 2015
5-week cross-country (USA) workshop via Skype in winter 2015
5-week international workshop via Skype in fall 2014
6-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in summer 2014
50-minute workshop as guest lecturer at Princeton University in February 2014 (pictured above)
Two 90-minute workshops at California State University, Los Angeles in January 2014
Month-long workshop at Vs. Theatre in L.A. in January 2014
5-week workshop at ComedySportzLA in fall 2013
Concurrent Session on writing a TCK solo show, memoir, or personal essay at the Families in Global Transition (FIGT) conference in Virginia, March 2014 and in Maryland, March 2013
how to write a one woman show, international
tour, interracial solo show, intersectionality, storytelling, making theatre, mixed
heritage one woman show, mixed race solo show, multi-ethnic solo show,
multilingual one person show
(Photograph by Daniel Lawrence: Princeton University)
(Screenshot of workshop at Hillsborough Community College via Zoom)
