Online via Zoom · All Abilities Welcome · Scholarships Available

Every great film, show, and play started with a single page. In this 16-week virtual course, you'll dive deep into the craft of screenwriting — learning structure, dialogue, character development, and how to shape a compelling story from concept to completed script.
Led by award-winning Hollywood writer Johanna Lack, each week brings writing prompts, peer feedback, and real-world industry insights. You'll explore multiple script formats — film, television, documentary, corporate video, public service announcements, and stage plays. You may even have the opportunity to write a promo script that gets produced and broadcasted on social media.
At the end of the semester, you'll share your work at our Winter Showcase, where actors will perform one of your scenes live on stage.
Whether you're a first-time writer or a storyteller looking to sharpen your craft, this class is your creative launchpad.





Master script formatting, story structure, dialogue, and character development
Write original scenes and short scripts through guided prompts and exercises
Understand the storytelling process from concept to completed script
Participate in writing workshops to give and receive constructive feedback
Strengthen editing and revision skills to elevate your writing
Prepare work for public sharing at the Winter Showcase
Build a solid scriptwriting foundation with guidance from seasoned industry professionals
Develop confidence in your writing voice and storytelling abilities
Join a community of writers and creatives for feedback, support, and inspiration
Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism in a collaborative setting
See your writing come to life through live performance and presentation

Johanna Lack has taught scriptwriting at JDS Creative Academy since its founding — over a decade of shaping the next generation of writers. She is the head writer for JDSCA's Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America and an award-winning television producer and writer whose credits include HGTV's House Hunters, Designed to Sell, and shows for CBS, ABC, DIY, and the Discovery Channel.
Johanna earned her B.S. in Radio/Television/Film from Northwestern University and furthered her craft through UCLA's extension screenwriting program. She began her career reading and evaluating scripts for Hollywood producers — and quickly learned what makes a screenplay extraordinary, and what sends it straight to the reject pile. She brings all of that knowledge directly into the classroom.
Classes begin Monday, August 24, 2026 and meet on the following dates:
August: 24, 31
September: 8, 14, 21, 28
October: 5, 12, 19, 26
November: 2, 9, 16 (No class Thanksgiving week — Nov. 23)
December: 7, 14, 21
Winter Showcase: December 18–20, 2026 See your scenes performed live by actors at our end-of-semester celebration!


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