Screenwriting & Storytelling

Instructors: Heidi Hornbacher 
SPARC Area: Arts

Writing the Story Only You Can Tell

What if your child could learn how to shape their ideas, emotions, and imagination into a story that truly moves people?

Stories That Begin from Within

Every great script starts with a spark—an idea, a feeling, a question. In this course, students will learn to follow those sparks and turn them into meaningful stories. Through character-building, world-creating, and intuitive structure, they’ll begin to see writing as a form of self-discovery and communication.

Structure That Sets You Free

Instead of limiting creativity, screenwriting structure gives it direction. Students will learn the three-act story arc, how to build powerful scenes, and how pacing, dialogue, and conflict create momentum. These tools offer a clear path—while still leaving room for voice, style, and surprise.

A Voice Worth Sharing

Each student will leave this course with more than a script. They’ll walk away with greater confidence in their voice, a deeper understanding of storytelling, and a complete short screenplay they can continue developing or share. It’s not just about writing stories—it’s about becoming someone who has something to say.
In this class, students will:

What Makes This Class Special?

Learn the foundations of screenwriting: acts, arcs, and scenes

Practice dialogue writing and story pacing

Strengthen focus, imagination, and voice through weekly writing

Create meaningful characters and compelling plots

Develop their own original screenplay from start to finish

Receive guidance from a professional screenwriter and award-winning teacher

Weekly Journey

Bring your stories to life on the page and screen with the art of screenwriting and storytelling.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
september 24, 2025 | 9:00–10:50 AM & 2:00-3:50 PM time

Crafting Powerful Loglines

Learn how to distill your story into a single, compelling sentence. We’ll explore templates and tricks that make loglines grab attention while keeping your focus sharp as a storyteller.
october 1, 2025 | 9:00–10:50 AM & 2:00-3:50 PM time

Building Characters That Live and Breathe

Every great story starts with unforgettable characters. This week, you’ll uncover your character’s mask, wound, strengths, and flaws to design a journey that feels real and relatable.
october 8, 2025 | 9:00–10:50 AM & 2:00-3:50 PM time

The Seven-Point Story Structure

Stories have a natural rhythm, and we’ll learn the seven key “load-bearing walls” that hold every script together. Students will map these points using familiar films and their own ideas.
october 15, 2025 | 9:00–10:50 AM & 2:00-3:50 PM time

Goal, Obstacle, Outcome (GOO)

We’ll dive into the engine of every scene: what characters want, what stands in their way, and how they respond. This method keeps stories moving forward with energy and stakes.
october 22, 2025 | 9:00–10:50 AM & 2:00-3:50 PM time

Formatting Your Script

Discover the blueprint of screenwriting. From action lines to dialogue and slug lines, students will learn how to format their scripts so they look professional and easy to read.
october 29, 2025 | 9:00–10:50 AM & 2:00-3:50 PM time

Writing Dialogue That Pops

This week is all about dialogue, what makes it authentic, what to avoid, and how to use subtext. Students will practice creating conversations that reveal character and spark conflict.
november 5, 2025 | 9:00–10:50 AM & 2:00-3:50 PM time

Style and Tone on the Page

Explore how word choice, action lines, and dialogue shape the tone of a script. Students will experiment with genre styles—from comedy to fantasy—to strengthen their unique writing voice.
november 12, 2025 | 8:00am pacific time

First & Last Impressions

A strong opening draws us in, and a powerful ending makes a story unforgettable. In our final week, students will polish the first and last scenes of their scripts and reflect on the journey they’ve created.
Topics may evolve as we continue refining the course to best support student experience and flow.

Is This Class Right for Your Kid?

If your child loves writing, inventing stories, or watching movies with a curious mind, this course will help them shape their imagination into something real.

It’s also a great fit for students who benefit from structure, self-reflection, or creative outlets for emotional expression.

Enroll Now and Unlock Your Child's Inner Potential

Enrollment includes:
✔ Weekly live sessions (2 hours)
✔ Writing prompts and scene-building tools
✔ Supportive feedback and editing guidance
✔ Access to class recordings
✔ Completion badge
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Our Heartfelt Guarantee

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We want kids to feel capable of handling the volatile conditions of life. We want them confident in their ability to access their inner power. If your kid attends the classes, does the exercises, and you don’t witness them feeling more empowered, let us know and we will promptly provide you a full refund.

What makes us different

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the course be recorded?

Yes! All sessions are recorded with captions and will be available within 48 hours after the live class.

What age is this course best for?

This course is designed for ages 10 and up, but the ideas we explore are meaningful at any age. Younger children may enjoy joining with a parent, and teens and adults often find the content just as fascinating.

What’s the time commitment?

Plan for 1 hour of live class each week, plus 10–30 minutes a day for light reflection, journaling, or hands-on exploration.

What materials will we need?

You’ll just need access to Zoom, a printer (for optional journal pages), and a notebook or binder to collect reflections and drawings. We’ll send everything else digitally.
Coherence Education

514 Americas Way Suite 23167
Box Elder, SD 57719

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