On May 6, 2014, Pat the Dog held its second-annual PlaySmelter festival of new works in Northern Ontario. As part of that festival, we invited Governor General’s award-winning playwright Colleen Murphy to lead a playwriting Master Class. Her knowledge and experience, but most of all her excitement and compassion about the work, made this a highlight of our festival (we’re all still talking about it). From discussions about structure and character, sentimentality, and how to refine the good guy vs. bad guy model, Colleen illuminated multiple facets of the craft.

We were privileged to have this opportunity with her, and are thrilled to share it with you. So sit back and enjoy these few hours of pure gold:


(Refresh your browser if the player doesn’t show. Press play, be patient and give it some time to think, and it should come alive for you.)