Sean’s Workshop Modules

TOOLS: Theatricality Workshop Series

“TOOLS” is a workshop series for playwrights curious about theatricality—the unique magic of theatre that invites audiences to “believe” what they see on stage is true-to-life, even while knowing it's not real (to an extent). Each session dives into a specific element of this conceptual spell, blending discussion, hands-on activities, performance, and experimentation.

Through this series, participants expand their toolkit and experiment with a wide range of theatrical elements and strategies.

These workshops are open to playwrights, directors, dramaturgs, and theatre makers of all experience levels who are engaged with, or curious about, craft and live performance. Prior writing experience is encouraged but not required.

Previous Workshop Modules:
- Affective Stage Directions
- Magic Props
- Theatrical Truth
- Illusions & Tricks
- Theatrical Boundaries
- Theatrical Shapes

Past Participants Include:
- Centre 42
- Main Tulis Group

Writing Without Boundaries

An exploration of creative writing and playwrights as tools for discovering and expressing identity. Through guided prompts and dedicated writing time, participants will generate new work and experiment with fresh ways of sharing it within the group.

Open to writers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Past Participants Include:
- Hawai’i Department of Education
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Ka Waiwai Collective
- East-West Center

Customizable Workshops & Speaking Engagements

Are you interested in a workshop that’s tailored to the specific needs of your organization or project? Reach out and we can discuss options and price points.

Open to writers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Past Participants Include:
- Esri
- Seeds of Peace
- LMDA
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

TRHT Narrative Design Workshops

“TRHT Narrative Design Workshops” utilize playwriting as a process to help participants imagine and practice how they can more authentically convey their complex narratives. This hybrid artistic process involves the writing of our stories in relationship to self, each other, and ʻāina, which then layers in elements of acting, directing, and the other aspects of dramatic storytelling.

Through this series, we share and embody the stories of our community, “performing” both our own and one another’s authentic, truthful identities.

These workshops are for practitioners working within Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation™ (TRHT) frameworks, restorative justice methodologies, and IDEA practices, as well as facilitators of Rx Racial Healing® Circles / Pilina Circles.

Previous Workshop Modules:
- Writing and ‘Guided Prompts’
- Memory and ‘Moment Work’
- Dialogue and ‘Burst Writing’
- Narrative and ‘Moment Monologues’
- Character ‘Repetition Exercise’
- Truth and ‘Identity Performance’

Past Participants Include:
- UH Mānoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office
- Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing

Story Sharing and Radical Listening

This workshop offers innovative techniques for writing and speaking your mo‘olelo (story) aloud, with a focus on narratives that explore your experiences of home. Participants will practice both the sharing of their own stories and the deep, attentive listening of others.

No prior writing or performance experience is required.

Past Participants Include:
- Henry Luce Foundation (Luce Scholarship Program)
- Hawai'i Ku'u Home Aloha Summit
- Ala Wai Watershed Collaboration
- Hawai’i Green Growth

TESTIMONIALS
they weren’t even paid for this!

  • Dr. Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe
    Director of Hawaiian Affairs
    University of Hawaiʻi

  • Eric Chang
    Arts Program Manager
    East-West Center

  • Yanling Ma
    Managing Director
    Centre 42

  • Aida Gureghian
    Program Director for Leadership
    Henry Luce Foundation

  • Robert Chang
    Director of Reading and Discussion Programs
    Hawai'i Council for the Humanities

Storytelling & Creative Consultancy

  • New Play Development Dramaturgy
    Support tailored to the needs of a playwright, director, or organization. This can include meeting with the creative team, moderating and attending workshops, attending rehearsals, and curating discussions and talkbacks.

    Script Consultations
    One-on-one support for playwrights and screenwriters at any stage of the writing process. Services include script notes, feedback on drafts, and meetings to discuss the work.

  • Previous Speaking Engagements Include
    - Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
    - Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA)
    - Matsunaga Institute for Peace
    - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation