Workshops
Intro to Scene Study
Facilitator: Cody Sloan
Description:
This class is a welcoming, affirming space for folks who want to deepen their craft, build confidence, and connect with others. No experience needed—just curiosity and openness.
Through our scene study, you will develop a reliable, repeatable process for bringing truthful, compelling work to the stage and screen. Each week, you’ll get on your feet with simple tools that help you break down scenes, connect honestly with a partner, build dynamic relationships, and live authentically in imaginary circumstances.
We work with material that supports authentic expression - you will connect with Cody to pick material that feels most exciting to you! As a working actor and out trans man, Cody works with current breakdowns for cisgender, trans, and NB characters —giving you practical experience, real-world context, and a deeper understanding of how the work translates to auditions. You’ll get clear, compassionate feedback and a space where risk-taking is celebrated.
Location:
In person @ Laservision 5655 Vineland, North Hollywood
Cost:
$25 for 4 weeks (plus honorarium)
Workshop dates and times:
Thursdays, 6 - 8pm starting January 15th.
January 15th, 2026 | 6 - 8pm
January 22nd, 2026 | 6 - 8pm
January 29th, 2026 | 6 - 8pm
February 5th, 2026 | 6 - 8pm
Grantwriting for Theater Artists
Facilitator: Revel
Description:
Come hang out with Revel Langshall, a fundraising and grantwriting virtuoso. In this workshop, we’ll talk about the ways they do research and write grants. Then we’ll do some hands-on work together, with time for questions.
Using a screen-shared presentation, Revel will go over the different types of grants and how they conduct research to find them. Next, they will go through the grantwriting process. Questions can be asked throughout and we will go at a pace that ensures everyone gets the information they need. Finally, we will actively do this process together. Please come with an idea you’d like to find funding for.
Location:
On-line on Zoom
Cost:
$15 suggested donation
Workshop date and time:
January 17th, 1pm PST on Zoom
Short Play Incubator
with Maddox Pennington
The Joy 2 Lived Short Play Incubator & Showcase is an opportunity for new and emerging trans/GNC playwrights to develop a short script for the stage from inspiration to production. Come with ideas, be open to collaboration, and get ready to write, revise, cast and rehearse your original 10-20 minute play. In January and February, participants will meet weekly for 6 sessions to write and revise their scripts. In March, writers will be matched with directors, cast actors and rehearse their plays, which will be presented as part of the Joy 2 Lived Festival, March 31 - April 18.
Location:
In person (Hollywood)
Cost:
$40 Deposit, returned if you attend all sessions and complete the workshop process
Dates:
Workshops: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21
Rehearsals: 3/14, 3/21
Showcase: 4/4
About Your Facilitators
Maddox Pennington (he/they) is an experienced facilitator of writing classes and workshops from Creative Writing 101 to Advanced College Writing. A life-long writer and performer, he began directing and producing after moving to LA in 2021. He has been featured as a writer, director, and performer with the Native Voices Theater Company. His work has been developed with the Moving Arts MADLAB in LA, the Creative Nations Festival in Boulder CO, the Kayenta New Plays Festival in Ivins, Utah. He has directed development workshops for playwrights Madeline Sayet for Fort Worth’s SparkFest and Dillon Chitto with Native Voices. Creative Director of the Trans Conversation Project, he has produced and directed his queer and trans-centered plays Love Chicken and Annex in award-winning productions in the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
As Director of Education for the Joy Who Lived Festival, he’s passionate about making inviting and inclusive spaces for new theater artists to learn, connect, and create. He’s a member of the current cohort of the LA Writer’s Workshop at Center Theater Group where he is also a Teaching Artist for the Observers Program, and a 2025 recipient of the LA New Play Project grant for Embers Borne West. His next project is a Generation Now Theater for Young Audiences commission called Picture Day.
Revel Langshall (they/them) is a trans nonbinary genderqueer genderbereft person who has worked in varied nonprofits doing fundraising and grantwriting for over 34 years. They use the 10 Principles of Community Centric Fundraising as well as valuable lessons learned throughout their life as a forest dweller, partner, and parent to drive their work.
Jen Olivares (she/they) is a two-spirit actor, dancer, singer, and transmedia maker living on Tongva land in LA. They’re a proud member of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjáchemen Nation, and the playwright behind the Indigiqueer comedy Birthday Brunch. You may have seen them on Bull, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, or as a two-time ABC Discovers finalist.
Jen’s self-tape class is all about helping LGBTQIA+ performers feel powerful on camera—embracing your full identity, making bold choices, and taping with confidence, resourcefulness, and most importantly, a friendly budget.
Cody Sloan (he/him) is a classically trained actor whose work spans theater, film, narration, and producing. He has originated roles in multiple Off-Broadway and regional world premieres, developed new work with theaters including MTC, Playwrights Horizons, 2nd Stage, and the Kennedy Center, and appeared in films showcased at national and international festivals, including Sundance. A dedicated coach since 2019, Cody deeply values bringing kindness and joy to acting training. www.codysloanactor.com