Learn Theatre-Making from DC’s Boldest Artists and launch your acting, playwriting, or directing career the Rorschach way—fast, fearless, and fully produced.
Space is limited!
Reserve your spot here.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
What it is:
An 8-day intensive where you’ll create and perform an original short play from scratch – as an actor, playwright, or director. Inspired by Rorschach’s acclaimed Klecksography method, you’ll work alongside established theatre professionals who’ve spent two decades launching 600+ artists into the DC scene.
The Process:
- Visit a DC gallery for creative inspiration
- Write, rehearse, and stage a new play in 8 days
- Learn from working pros in dedicated intensive workshops: actors, playwrights, directors, and Rorschach Co-Artistic Directors Jenny McConnell Frederick and Randy Baker
- Perform your work for a live audience
- Get direct feedback from industry professionals
Who Should Apply:
Actors, Playwrights, or Directors – early-career artists, pre-professionals, and ambitious beginners (ages 16+). No audition, no portfolio required—just show up ready to work.
Dates: May 16-24 (workshops start Saturday, performances Sunday)
A detailed Schedule is below
Cost: $400
Location: The Stacks, Buzzard Point | 101 V Street SW, Washington DC
DIRECTIONS HERE
Over 600 artists have launched careers through Klecksography*. This is your chance to learn from the same mentors without the competitive application.
Questions? classes@rorschachtheatre.com
SIGN UP HERE
TIMELINE & PROCESS
Sat May 16: SEMINARS
Students attend one of the three seminars based on their area of focus
(acting, directing, or playwriting)
930am-12pm | Seminar #1: Playwriting
WORKSHOP LEADER: Doug Robinson
THE PLAYWRIGHTS WORKSHOP will focus on story structure and writing short plays with escalating action. The seminar will be taught by a working theatre professional.
1230pm-3pm | Seminar #2: Directing
WORKSHOP LEADER: Rebecca Rovezzi
THE DIRECTORS WORKSHOP will focus on concept, vision, and communication strategies. The seminar will be taught by a working theatre professional.
330pm-6pm: Seminar #3: Acting
WORKSHOP LEADER: James J. Johnson
THE ACTORS WORKSHOP will focus on creating a character, collaboration, and rapid memorization
Sun May 17, 11am-2pm: INSPIRATION/Kickoff
The full group convenes to visit a DC-area art museum and take in the chosen inspiration art work first hand. Following the introduction of the artwork, artists are divided into teams of one director, one playwright and 2-4 actors. Playwrights have a little over 24 hours to write drafts after the event.
Mon May 18, 6pm-10pm : SCRIPT WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOP LEADER: Randy Baker
Playwrights deliver First Draft Scripts. Each script receives a quick but intensive workshop led by Rorschach Theatre Co-Artistic Director Randy Baker with optional participation from cast and directors.
Tue May 19 9, 7pm-930pm: FIRST READ
WORKSHOP LEADER: Jenny McConnell Frederick
Full company reads aloud all six plays. Directors have a production meeting after the first read. Directors are mentored by Rorschach Theatre Co-Artistic Director Jenny McConnell Frederick.
Wed May 20 – Fri May 22, 6pm-11pm: REHEARSALS
WORKSHOP LEADERS: Jenny McConnell Frederick and Randy Baker
Teams have three 3-hour rehearsals to stage the plays. Directors communicate with designers about project needs. Students are mentored by Rorschach Theatre Co-Artistic Director Jenny McConnell Frederick.
Sat May 23, 2pm-6pm: DRESS REHEARSAL
WORKSHOP LEADERS: Jenny McConnell Frederick and Randy Baker
Full company takes part in dress rehearsal and final design meetings. Performers will have some time to work independently
Sun May 24: REHEARSALS
Technical Rehearsals take place with staggered calls between 9am and 4pm. The plays are performed at 5PM and at 7PM
PERFORMANCES at 5pm and 7pm!
Mon May 25 / Tue May 26: Final Feedback Sessions
Workshop Leaders: James J. Johnson, Doug Robinson, and Rebecca Rovezzi
Feedback sessions (TBA staggered times) over video
