General FAQs
How many members do you have?
Presently we have close to fifty members (twenty-plus writers and twenty-plus actors).
How old is the Noho Screenwriters Workshop?
Our group had its first meeting in November of 2006. There were five writers in attendance. We have workshopped 1-3 scripts a month since that time, and today have over twenty writers.
How often do you meet, and where?
We meet twice a month - the first and third Monday. We have a variety of locations, but usually meet at Packard's or the Media Education Foundation - both in downtown Northampton.
FAQs for writers
How often are scripts workshopped?
Scripts are workshopped twice a month. The third Monday of each month is dedicated to one feature-length script. The first Monday is dedicated to the 20 pages of a scripts currently in development by three group members.
What type of feedback is there?
Each meeting begins with a full read-through of the script, with varying members (actors and writers) playing the roles in a round-table format. After the read-through, the group gives constructive feedback in key areas (plot, characterization, dialogue, scene construction, etc). For more detail about group structure and meeting content, go here.
Should I be concerned about sharing my script?
We understand confidentiality, and want you to be comfortable. We find that the best way to grow comfortable sharing with the group is to come to several meetings before workshopping your own material. Many members who have personal relationships come to share digital copies of scripts, but this is never required.
Whether you're workshopping with us or not, you should protect yourself and register your script with the WGA. For additional security, you can also copyright your script with the Library of Congress.
I'm ready to join. What's the next step?
Go here to familiarize yourself with our structure (step #2 is at the bottom of that page).
Can't find an answer to your question here?
No problem! Contact us.
FAQs for actors
If I join, am I committed to always attend?
The commitment is as large or as small as you want it to be. "Joining" only means that you're on our contact list as an actor who is interested in reading from time to time, and that our listserv forwards to your e-mail address. That's it. You can come as often or as seldom as you like.
We do ask, however, that once you have committed to coming to read a role, you honor the commitment. Writers have to prepare to be sure they have enough readers for their workshop, and flaking puts them in a tight spot.
How will I know when I’m going to read?
If you would like to read, contact the author who is workshopping their script and tell them you're available. You can see who is workshopping next at our group calendar, and find their contact info on the contact sheet.
Writers also contact actors by sending a list of the roles they need read at an upcoming workshop, with ages and character descriptions. Actors can then respond to the roles they are interested in playing.
Will I play the role when the movies are filmed?
Most of the work presented at workshop are "spec scripts" (no directors or producers attached), meaning that it is the writer's own creation and he/she will have to actively seek sale to a company. Realistically, once the script is sold, the writer will have little control over casting decisions.
There are, however, some members who have produced and filmed their own scripts (see group member Wade Wofford's Perception - and actors from workshop have been cast in principle roles. There can be no firm guarantee, of course, that the actors playing the roles during the reading will be cast in the film.
Bottom line: it never hurts to network with writers that may see potential for future films.
I'm ready to join. What's the next step?
Go here to familiarize yourself with our structure (step #2 is at the bottom of that page).
Can't find an answer to your question here?
No problem! Contact us.
FAQs for members
I have a completed draft that I'd like to workshop. What do I do?
Instructions here.
I'd like to workshop 20 pages of an in-progress script. What do I do?
Look at the group calendar and find an available date that works for you (one that reads "20 Page Script Readings" and does not have *three* names listed). Then, write Joy and let her know which date you want. She'll put you on the calendar.
Does the group have any shared resources on finding an agent, registering a script with the WGA, etc?
You can register your script with the WGA here.
For a myriad of other resources, go to our Members page.
John Doe is a member, but I've lost his contact information. Is there some place I can find it?
You can download a pdf of our contact sheet here.
Can't find an answer to your question here?
No problem! Contact us.
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