Writing, Journalism 101, Create a Comic, Voice Overs - Keep Scrolling Down!


Journalism


Journalism 101
Do you have what it takes to be a journalist? Learn everything there is to know about writing for newspapers, such as writing breaking news, features, profiles, business stories, and how to cover live events and meetings. Learn how to write on deadline. Both in-class and out-of-class assignments will be given. We will share our writing with our peers and give feedback. We will find news topics, go outside and interview people, and write up stories -- during the class. Get practical suggestions on how to find freelance writing jobs and how to write press releases to promote your business. Instructor Sandra Diamond Fox is the editor of the Ridgefield Press and the New Milford Spectrum and is a contributor to the News Times. She has written for newspapers for almost 20 years, on a wide variety of topics throughout Fairfield County and beyond.

5 Sessions $ 124 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 105)
Sat., 10/15, 22, 29; 11/5, 19 (no class 11/12) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Annex. Bring a bag lunch.


Writing


Writing a Novel or Short Story
Participants will learn how to successfully create, develop, or complete your novel or short story by FIRST focusing on the basics, such as character development, scene creation, and a fully developed plot, which will enable you to construct a coherent, satisfying story scene-by-scene, and chapter-by-chapter. Just as importantly, you'll learn how to avoid the biggest mistakes, such as jumping in at page one with no real idea how your story will develop or even how it will end. Getting to know all your major and minor characters first, as well as all the main conflicts and actions of your story, will make your writing a far more manageable and rewarding experience.

We'll look at:
• Developing character backgrounds
• Formulating a plot
• Building scenes that move your story ahead
• First, second, and final drafts

Instructor Michael Canavan is the author of 2 novels, a collection of short stories, and nearly a dozen nonfiction books.

6 Sessions $ 112 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 95)
Wed., 9/28; 10/12, 19, 26; 11/2, 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School. NOTE: No class 10/5.


Comics, Cartooning

Create a Comic
Have you ever wondered what goes into the creation of a comic strip or comic book? Then this course is for you. This course will consist of exploring different types of cartoons. Participants will be involved in the creation of their own character from designing to writing a story and will then take their character and create a 1 to 2 page story or gag involving their own creation. Subjects will involve basic shapes, action poses, creating a scene, writing a story, and final illustrated cartoon. A supply fee of $ 20-25 (for 2 books and supplies) is payable to the instructor at the first class. Instructor Richard Maurizio is a veteran artist who has produced work for Warner Bros, Turner Entertainment, Universal Studios, Sony Signatures, DC Comics and Archie Comics. His credits include developing educational and children’s books as well as producing a Tom & Jerry comic strip for five years. His licensing work includes Looney Tunes, The Animaniacs, Space Jam, Underdog, Thunder Agents and Godzilla Sketch cards. He’s the co-writer on Munster Memories: A Coffin Table Book with Butch (Eddie Munster) Patrick. He also teaches summer cartooning courses in New York State.

6 Sessions $ 159 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 135) + materials/supply fee
Thur., 9/29; 10/6, 13, 20, 27; 11/3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Park School NOTE: Time is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.


Voice-Overs


Voice-Overs . . . NOW is YOUR Time!
In what could be the most enlightening ONLINE class you have ever taken, our instructor and professional voice coach will show you how you can actually begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. Most people go about it the wrong way. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry. Voice-overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead! Whether you choose to pursue voice-overs part-time or full-time, this could be the game changer you have been looking for. In addition to online instruction, you will be given the opportunity to book a 1-on-1 script read and voice evaluation via telephone with your instructor for the following day. This class will be presented via Zoom, you will receive a link the 24 hours prior to the class.

Instructor Hannah Trusty has been behind the mic since early high school, performing in an array of different roles in animation, commercial, and narration. Some of her most recent clients have included Toyota, Slice App, Decathlon, Campus Outreach, Take Back the Night Foundation, Education First, and many more! When she's not working on new voice-over projects, she's out adventuring with her dog Mabel, binging a new show, or training for her next triathlon.

1 Session $ 31 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 26)
Mon., 11/28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School