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Overcoming Writer's Block
Learn concrete, repeatable tools to bypass fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt.
Class Description
Instructor: Mathilde Dratwa (Playwright) Semester: Fall 2025 10-Week Session This class is designed for playwrights who feel stuck — whether in the middle of a draft, circling an idea, or staring down a blank page. Together, we’ll break down the myths of inspiration and learn concrete, repeatable tools to bypass fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Through short generative exercises, provocations, and discussion, writers will leave each session with fresh pages and renewed momentum. Why this class now? Because we’re living through a moment when the world feels paralyzing, and art demands that we keep writing anyway. The entry point is simple: come as you are, blocked or unblocked, with nothing but curiosity and a willingness to write your way forward. Week 1: Naming the Block — Identifying personal barriers (perfectionism, fear, distraction). Generative free-writes in class. Week 2: Breaking the Blank Page — Quick prompts and constraints as doorways. Week 3: Writing the Body — Physicalizing the block; using gesture, rhythm, and stage directions. Week 4: Dialogue Without Fear — Exercises to bypass “perfect lines” pressure. Week 5: Mining the Unconscious — Dreams, memory, and overheard language. Week 6: Re-imagining Obstacles as Engines — How constraints can generate creativity. Week 7: Collaboration as Catalyst — Partner prompts and shared character creation. Week 8: Finding Form — Exploring non-linear and unexpected structures. Week 9: Revision Without Paralysis — Separating drafting from editing. Week 10: Sustaining Momentum — Building a personal practice that outlives the class. Mathilde Dratwa (playwright) is a Belgian playwright and screenwriter based in Brooklyn. Her plays include "Dirty Laundry" (WP Theater, Audible, Henley Rose Award, Kernodle Award), "Milk & Gall" (Theatre503, London), and "A Play about David Mamet Writing a Play about Harvey Weinstein". Her work has been developed and presented by the Ground Floor at Berkeley Rep, the Ojai Playwrights Conference, Roundabout Theatre Company, Rattlestick, Berkshire Theatre Group, American Players Theatre, LAByrinth Theater Company, Cape Cod Theatre Project, and the Young Vic.
Enrollment Policies (Time Zones, Payment Plans, and Refunds)
ONLINE SCHEDULES & TIME ZONES: Most of our classes are offered online and open to participants worldwide. Our website automatically displays class start times based on your device’s current location, so you will always see the correct time no matter where you are. If you are traveling for work or personal reasons, please verify the local time shown on your device on this registration page before joining the class. For example, if a class begins at 7:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time (ET), it will appear as 4:00 PM PT when viewed from the U.S. West Coast, or 11:00 AM the next day if you are in Sydney, Australia. Many of our instructors are based in the U.S. Eastern Time (ET) zone, but not all. Once again, please double-check the local time shown on your device on this registration page before joining the class if you are traveling. IN-PERSON SCHEDULES & TIME ZONES: If the class is held in person, please note that the start time is based on the time zone of the city where the class takes place. If you book the class while traveling, be sure to use the class’s local time zone rather than the time zone of your current location. TRAVEL FOR HYBRID CLASSES: Many of our classes are held online but for time to time we offer hybrid classes where a portion of the class takes places online and a portion of the class takes place in-person. Please note the cost of the class does not include travel or housing for students to attend the in-person sessions. As well, PlayPenn cannot cover the cost of travel or housing. CLASS LINK: The hyperlink to join your respective online class(es) will be emailed to you separately from your class registration confirmation, closer to the first session. PAYMENT PLANS: PlayPenn believes that cost should never be a barrier to learning. Flexible payment plans are available, and we’re happy to work with students to find a solution that fits your needs. To inquire about setting up a payment plan, please email using the form on the Upcoming Class main page. REFUND POLICY: In order to offer a small-group class experience and pay our professional instructors consistently, please note all sales are final and tuition is not refundable. PlayPenn is not able to offer a voucher/credits towards a future purchase. Please consider this before making your purchase. Please visit our Refund Policy webpage to learn more about our other policies.
Learn More About Your Instructor
Our teaching artists are all working professional writers—award-winning playwrights and musical theatre creators—who bring real-world experience, insight, and passion to every session.
Get to know our artists by clicking a name below to read their full bio.
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