What’s Your Story?
Script Critique
In “The Artist’s Way,” Julia Cameron describes how to seek out criticism, “As artists, we must learn when criticism is appropriate and from whom… A first draft is seldom appropriately shown to any but the most gentle and discerning eye. It often takes another artist to see the embryonic work that is trying to spout.” I was fortunate to have found Charlene to critique the first draft of my first script. Her encouragement, combined with insightful and incisive suggestions, helped me take the next steps to learning how to improve my skills and my script. Charlene personifies artistic critique that is gentle and discerning.
— NANCY SHANK, PLAYWRIGHT,
TRUE NORTH WAY ARTS
Every script has something to say because every writer has something worth saying. Through thoughtful questions, collaborative conversation, and professional feedback, I’ll help you discover new possibilities while honoring the voice that makes your work uniquely yours.
Working Together
Every script I read is informed by the many ways I experience theatre as a playwright, educator, producer, collaborator, and fellow writer. Every year I read hundreds of scripts, workshop dozens of plays with fellow writers, and mentor emerging and established artists at every stage of the writing process.
As an educator in the University of Nebraska Omaha’s MFA in Creative Writing, a founding member of Proscenium Playwrights, a member of NYC’s 9th Floor Writers & Actors Collaborative, and a reader for numerous playwriting awards, I bring a collaborative perspective to every script, along with a deep respect for the craft, courage, and imagination behind every story.
When I respond to your work I offer thoughtful questions, practical insights, and honest encouragement that help you see your script with fresh eyes while remaining true to the voice and vision that make it uniquely yours.
The Method
With care, curiosity, and craft, I read every script, formatted in standard Samuel French or Dramatists Guild style, three times. The first reading is simply to become immersed in the world you’ve created, meet your characters, and discover the story unfolding before me. The second reading is devoted to line notes and observations that arise in the moment. I ask thoughtful questions, offer suggestions to consider, highlight what is working well, celebrate the moments that made me laugh or linger, and respond as both a fellow writer and experienced reader. The final reading is devoted to end notes with one to three pages of broader observations designed to help you consider new possibilities.
My goal is never to rewrite your work, but to help you see it with fresh eyes. Your script remains your intellectual property, and while I cannot promise publication or production, I can promise an honest, thoughtful, and encouraging critique.
Fearless Revision
The strongest scripts are rarely written in a single draft. They emerge through thoughtful revision, curiosity, and the willingness to trust the creative process. After you’ve had time to reflect on your critique, we’ll schedule a follow-up conversation by phone or Zoom to discuss your script, explore your questions, and consider your next steps through the lens of your own artistic vision. This is where your journey toward fearless revision begins.