The Teens Write the Scenes at the 25th Annual WriteGirl Screenwriting Workshop
The 25th annual WriteGirl Screenwriting Workshop and Showcase of Scenes was an exciting opportunity for teens to learn the basics of writing scenes for TV and film, under the guidance of professional screenwriters.
The online event was held on January 31, 2026, and more than 100 WriteGirl teens, alums, volunteers, special guest screenwriters, actors and improv performers participated from across the country.
Screenwriter Clare Sera, actor Sandy Green, and WriteGirl Teaching Artist Darby Price co-emceed the event.
Clare Sera was joined by screenwriter Lauren Miller Rogen (Like Father) and Erika Green Swafford (How to Get Away with Murder) to discuss character development and how characters drive plot. Later, screenwriters Nonny Okwelogu (Things Fall Apart by A24 for Apple TV) and Christine Swanson ( For the Love of Ruth) guided teens through wants and conflict, emphasizing the importance of obstacles and what a character wants and why they can’t have it.
“I learned a lot about screenwriting, which I didn’t know before. I feel inspired, definitely,” said WriteGirl mentee Zoe.
Throughout the day, teens enjoyed improv segments from actors Marcelina Chavira, Ted Cannon, and Sandy Green, including a memorable butterfly monologue and an “Obstacle Rollercoaster” scene that brought conflict and character to life.
Teens then had time to write and revise their work and met one-on-one or in small groups with professional screenwriters including Jane Anderson, Nonny Okwelogu, Lauren Miller Rogen, Christine Swanson, Maiya Williams, and Erika Green Swafford for mentorship and feedback.
The workshop concluded with a lively Showcase of Scenes featuring live performances of teen-written scenes and monologues by Hollywood actors Keiko Agena, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Kelsey Scott, Hayden Szeto, and Ted Cannon. Clare and Nonny Okwelogu offered reflections after each performance, helping connect the writing discussions from the day to the work on stage.
“I loved hearing everyone’s awesome writing and seeing the amazing actors act it out!” said WriteGirl mentee Kaia.