write your solo show
don’t dream it, be it
So you want to write a solo show?
I’ll be the first to admit, my first solo show… wasn’t…great. One reviewer criticized me for being "whiny," stating, “Carly Ann Filbin was the girl everyone hated in high school.” Ouch. I found out later this guy was a real estate agent who volunteered as the local paper’s theater critic, but still. At least call me “pretty and whiny.”
When I wrote that show (which you cannot legally make me name) I really didn’t know what I was doing. I just knew I wanted to be on stage, create a show from my real-life experiences, and perform for anyone who would watch. I barely knew how to write, I had no idea what made a show work, I was clueless about structure.
But my love of (obsession with) storytelling outweighed the feelings of defeat or humiliation. I kept trying, kept creating. I learned from my mistakes, wrote more authentically, hired a director and coach,and created a structure that fit the story. The result was my second show, This Doesn’t Mean I’m Your Boyfriend. That show, without hyperbole, changed my life. I was overwhelmed with the meaningful feedback I received. I felt validated. I felt smart. The most incredible part was the number of people asking if I could teach them how to tell their stories, which ultimately led to the creation of Written in Brooklyn.
Through the trials of writing and performing these two full-length solo shows, I gained a deeper understanding of the writing and directing processes, learned what mistakes to avoid, recognized clichés, identified the pillars of a successful show, and discovered how to keep the audience engaged—all while creating something meaningful, authentic, funny, and, yes, looking super hot.
I'm currently performing my third solo show, Coke Ass, at the Upright Citizens Brigade. After years of experimenting on stage, abandoning drafts, sold out shows, battling imposter syndrome, rewriting and revising, standing ovations, uninterested audiences, and overcoming writer’s block, I have mastered the solo show creation process . Now, I want to help you.
WRITE YOUR
STORY
Who should write a solo show?
Solo shows are for actors, comedians, creative people, writers & performers who...
dream of creating a solo show but have no clue where to even start (or, you know, how to actually finish it)
are stuck staring at that blank page, feeling overwhelmed or second-guessing themselves at every turn
crave solid guidance, structure, feedback and accountability from other passionate writers
want creative control over their careers, by-pass gatekeepers, fast-track their career, and create big opportunities for themselves
MAKE YOUR
OWN
STUFF
Why write a solo show?
Creative Control + Autonomy
At times, being an actor/writer/performer/creative person can lead to a sense of powerlessness. Constantly waiting for someone to choose you, cast you, approve of you, hire you, or give you permission. Solo performance allows you to assert yourself and take the reins. No more waiting, wishing, or depending on others to create the work you want.Cast Yourself as the Lead
Write your dream part for yourself.Make Money off Your Art
The belief that we must give our art away for free is one we need to abandon. While there may not be millions waiting for you, with the right mindset and resourcefulness, you can absolutely monetize your show—earning way more than the cost of this class. (I provide helpful tips in the "What Now?" Guidebook that each student receives!)Tell Your Story
Your personal story, perspective, emotions, and opinions are important. If you care about what you have to say, so will an audience. We process the hardship, humor, and beauty of the world through art. Don’t deprive an audience that is waiting for you.Perform at Festivals
Fringe (and other show festivals) give you the opportunity to perform your own show many times for actual audiences! It’s also an incredible way to immerse yourself in an arts scene, create community, and be inspired!Develop a Bigger Project
Fleabag and Baby Reindeer both began as solo shows. The show writing process requires you to address essential questions about your project, helping you avoid getting too far along without a clear understanding of what your piece is about. Whether you aim to write a pilot, screenplay, book, or a longer show, a solo show serves as a valuable stepping stone toward your larger project.
This 9-week solo show intensive is designed to take you from a loose idea to a fully structured, workable piece.
Over the course of the program, you’ll develop your show from the ground up; clarifying your core idea, building a strong narrative framework, and writing a complete draft. Through a yprid of group workshops and individual coaching, you’ll receive detailed, actionable feedback on your work, helping you sharpen your voice, strengthen your storytelling, and shape your material for the stage.
The structure is intentionally spacious. We meet at key moments in the process giving you the time you actually need to write, reflect, and refine, all while maintaining clear momentum and receiving the accountability all creatives need.
By the end of the 9 weeks, you won’t just have pages, you’ll have a cohesive solo show with a clear structure, a defined point of view, and material you’re proud of.
class schedule
june 18th
class 1
In our first group meeting, we’ll discuss everyone’ show concept, discuss structure options, and write though an in-class ideation + direction setting mini-workshop
*class will meet on zoom
July 16th
class 4
An optional write-in will be held for accountability + questions. Answers to homework must be emailed to Carly.
*This is a writing week (no live class). In addition, there will be a short assignment that must be emailed to Carly by July 16th.
june 25th
class 2
An optional write-in will be held for accountability + questions. Answers to homework must be emailed to Carly.
*This is a show writing week (no live class). In addition, there will be a short assignment that must be emailed to Carly by June 25th.
July 23rd
class 5
Participants will present a rough draft of the first half of their piece (approximately 10–15 minutes).
*class will meet on zoom
july 2nd
class 3
Outline presentations and discussion.
*class will meet on zoom
July 30th
class 6
Participants will present a rough draft of the first half of their piece (approximately 10–15 minutes).
*class will meet on zoom
week of august 6
class 7
30-minute individual feedback session will be scheduled with Carly.
*via zoom
week of august 13th
class 8
One-hour individual feedback session will be scheduled with Carly.
*via zoom
august 20th
class 9
Next steps for continued development + reflection.
*class will meet on zoom
What You’ll Get
A solo show idea that actually works (not just vibes or generic info)
A clear structure so you’re not spiraling in Google Docs
Prompts that unlock material you didn’t know you had
Real, useful feedback (not just “this is great!”)
A full draft of your show (!!!)
Help shaping your voice, pacing, and emotional gut-punch moments
Personalized notes to push your piece further
A clear plan for next steps
Tuition: $585 for 9 weeks
Upgrade to Premium: $685 included two additional private coaching sessions (to be used within three months of class 9)
need a more one-on-one approach?
KEEP
CREATIVE
CONTROL
Carly's solo show class helped me create an entire show from just a little concept.
The accountability and deadline's that she provides really gave me the push I needed to transform my ideas into an actual show. Writing a solo show was always a goal of mine and it is extremely rewarding to connect with the audience on such an intimate level. Before taking Written in Brooklyn I had no idea where to even begin or how to structure a show. Carly pushed me to just get started!
This class was the fire under my ass I needed to accomplish this daunting project.
Meg Chizek
We all need coaching.
At Written in Brooklyn, we get that every creative process is unique, and every project deserves a personalized approach. We believe each writer benefits from individualized feedback. That’s why class time is dedicated to reading and receiving tailored notes.
Unlike most online courses, which rely on pre-recorded videos and offer little to no feedback, our Solo Show Boot Camp is held live via Zoom and fosters a supportive community of creatives, all helping one another on the path to solo superstardom.
What else can I expect?
Initial Consultation
All private coaching packages include a Before We Begin form. At Written in Brooklyn, we’re dedicated to supporting your creative journey and will only recommend packages that align with your vision.Solo Show Workbook
At the start of our work together you'll receive a digital copy of The Written in Brooklyn Solo Show Workbook. This resource will help you identify your north star, explore show themes, and potential structures, visualization exercises, and much more.Personalized Notes
Every solo show is unique, and so is the creative journey behind it. Your notes will be tailored specifically to your individual project.Accountability and Community
Written in Brooklyn values the strength of community. Our classes provide homework, deadlines, encouragement, discussions, and celebrations to keep your creative process on track.Extra Access to Instructor
In addition to class time, you'll have access to weekly office hours where you can ask questions and seek guidance.
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