Every day, the news delivers remarkable stories—but what makes one of them feel like a play, a movie, or even a musical?

Join storyteller Erik Forrest Jackson for an interactive workshop exploring how writers transform real-life events into compelling drama. Inspired in part by the popular “How Would This Be a Movie?” segment of the acclaimed screenwriting podcast Scriptnotes, participants will step into the role of a creative team, discovering how writers uncover the dramatic possibilities inside true stories.

The workshop begins with a review of several recent news stories. Together, the group will discuss which one has the greatest theatrical potential before voting on a favorite. From there, participants will collaboratively build the foundation of a brand-new adaptation, identifying the central characters, defining what each contributes to the story, mapping major plot points, and debating whether the material belongs onstage as a play, a musical, or perhaps something else entirely.

Along the way, participants will discover that adaptation isn’t simply about retelling events—it’s about making creative choices. Every story has countless possible versions, and every mind approaches it differently. Rather than focusing on polished writing, this workshop invites participants to think like storytellers: to ask questions, make imaginative leaps, and uncover the emotional heart that transforms real life into theater.

No writing or theatre experience is necessary. Aspiring or established writers are welcome, as are folks who just love a good story. No matter your experience, you’ll leave with a fresh eye toward how artists shape the world around us into unforgettable drama.