Aaron Ricciardi is a NYC-based musical theater writer, playwright, Equity actor, and educator who hails from South Florida. His plays and musicals include The Star Killers, Only Child, A Bushel and a Peck, Nice Nails, The Travels, and Hanukkah Harriet, which is published and licensed by Stage Partners. His work has been produced and developed by Clubbed Thumb, the Playwrights’ Center, NYMF, Jewish Theatre of Bloomington, Stages Bloomington, and the BMI Workshop, and he is an Affiliated Writer at the Playwrights’ Center. Awards and residencies include Clubbed Thumb Early-Career Writers’ Group, Playwrights’ Center Core Apprenticeship, BMI Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop, Roundabout Space Jam, and the Clubbed Thumb Constitution Commission. Aaron contributed to The Playwright’s Toolbox, released in May 2024 by Applause. Aaron graduated from the Theatre program at Northwestern University, where he studied playwriting under Laura Schellhardt, and he received his MFA in Playwriting from Indiana University, where he studied under Peter Gil-Sheridan. As an educator, Aaron has taught at SUNY New Paltz, Indiana University, and 92Y; currently, he is on the college faculty of Manhattan School of Music, where he directs the Musical Theatre Lab Series. www.aaronricciardi.com
INTENSIVE DESCRIPTION
Have an idea for a play—or wish you did—but don’t know how to begin? You’re not alone. In this course, new and emerging playwrights will explore multiple entry points into writing a new play. Through guided exercises and creative prompts, we’ll dive into character, setting, conflict, and dramatic action, building the foundation for a compelling story.
With a mix of analytical and intuitive approaches, this class is designed to help shake loose habits, silence inner critics, and unlock your creative instincts. By the end, you’ll have the beginnings of a new play—scenes, characters, and a world in motion—and a clear path forward to keep writing.
This class is for you if you:
- Are a beginner bursting with ideas but unsure how to shape them into a full play.
- Are a seasoned writer struggling to quiet your inner critic and start something new.
- Want to explore fresh approaches to character, setting, conflict, and dramatic action.
- Need structure, inspiration, and support to turn creative sparks into a working draft.
- Are interested in learning more about Aaron’s work and approach to writing.
What to expect:
- Guided exploration of your creative impulses, desires, and worldview to uncover the play only you can write.
- A mix of traditional and experimental exercises to develop characters, shape story, and generate early scenes.
- Concrete tools, confidence, and momentum to keep writing—plus the exciting beginnings of a brand-new play.
- Develop your dramaturgical skills by reading and observing the new work of your peers.
- Connect and engage with fellow students and the instructor online via Zoom and email.
- Stay accountable as you produce, share, and respond to new pages each week.
- Strengthen and more clearly articulate your writing process.
Intensive Sessions:
Wednesdays, November 5 through December 17
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Central Time
Instructor Videos
-
Level
Beginners
Intensives limited to 8 students -
Dates
November 5, 2025 – December 17, 2025
-
Time
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
-
Venue
Online via Zoom, check out this quick video on the process.
-
Cost
$210 – (one-time) Tier 1 Members
$270 – (one-time) Tier 2 and 3, Non-members
There’s nothing more important than having the tools necessary to begin a project. It’s arguably the hardest step, and, if you don’t ever start the play, well…you know.
Aaron Ricciardi
