PlayPEN Live online courses

LOOKING FOR TROUBLE

Understanding Conflict as a Storytelling Tool with Michael Ross Albert

Class starts Tuesday, October 6. Sign up now, before it's too late.

Conflict is the driving force of dramatic writing. But in the early stages of a new play's development, writers have a tendency to focus on other storytelling elements, which can disrupt the text's dramatic momentum and unbalance its structure. In this course, writers will be encouraged to mine their plays for conflict in order to heighten the emotional stakes of their work and mould their writing into rich, dramatically satisfying arcs. 

Reserve my spot No fee or commitment until your spot is confirmed.
Michael Ross Albert, PlayPEN instructor
Michael Ross Albert Your instructor
Admit one $325 fee for participants
Dates
October 6 – November 3, 2026Tuesdays October 6 - November 3, 2026 (5 sessions)
Time
6:30–9:00 PM ETTuesdays · 5 live sessions
Where
Live online, on ZoomJoin from anywhere
Group
Small and focusedMax 12 writers

Subsidized spots are available. Email breanne@expect.org to inquire.

01 About the course

Conflict is the driving force of dramatic writing. But in the early stages of a new play's development, writers have a tendency to focus on other storytelling elements, which can disrupt the text's dramatic momentum and unbalance its structure. In this course, writers will be encouraged to mine their plays for conflict in order to heighten the emotional stakes of their work and mould their writing into rich, dramatically satisfying arcs. 

Emerging and/or mid-career playwrights will learn how to use conflict as a conduit for plot exposition, as a catalyst for character development, and as the engine for a play's dramatic action. Participants will be invited to share new works in process, and receive feedback with a focus on plot, structure, and high-stakes storytelling.

Michael introduced me to playwriting concepts I had never heard of before - they are so practical.

It was a great sandbox to explore in and try new things.

Past Participant

02 Meet Michael

Described by the Toronto Star as “one of Toronto’s most exciting playwrights,” Michael Ross Albert is a Dora Award-nominated writer whose work has been staged across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. His plays include The Bidding War (Crow's Theatre; finalist, Carol Bolt Award), The Village It Takes (finalist, Tom Hendry Drama Award) Beautiful Renegades (Peggy Baker Dance Projects), Two Minutes to Midnight (The Assembly Theatre), Miss (Unit 102), and Tough Jews (Dora Award nomination, Outstanding New Play). Michael's work has been presented in multiple Fringe festivals, including Edinburgh, Brighton, Edmonton, Halifax, and FringeNYC. Five of his plays were staged in the Toronto Fringe Festival, includingThe Huns and Anywhere; both plays were named Patron’s Pick and Best of Fringe, and have received subsequent productions.

03 How it works

We keep every course small so everyone gets real attention. That means we can't always fit everyone who's keen, and Michael helps us shape a group of writers who'll get the most out of these weeks together. Here's the whole process.

  1. 1

    Reserve your spot

    Name, email, phone. That's it. No essays, no fee, no commitment.

  2. 2

    We say hello

    Within a couple of days we'll email you and ask for a short writing sample and a little about your writing and experience. Think of it as an introduction, not a test.

  3. 3

    Confirm and go

    If it's a fit, we confirm your seat and sort out the fee together. If we can't fit you this round, there's nothing to pay and you'll hear first about the next one.

Save your seat

Reserve your spot with Michael Ross Albert

Thirty seconds, four fields. No fee and no commitment right now. We just need to know you're interested.

Signing up puts your name on the list for LOOKING FOR TROUBLE: Understanding Conflict as a Storytelling Tool with Michael Ross Albert, Tuesdays October 6 - November 3, 2026 (5 sessions), 6:30–9:00 PM ET. Fee for participants: $325, payable only once your spot is confirmed.

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