Dramatic Writers Workshop
With Carl Capotorto
You know him best as Little Paulie on The Sopranos. But his story starts long before that. With a career spanning more than 40 years as a writer, producer, actor, and teacher, Carl has worked alongside some of the most influential figures in American theater, film, and television.
He is now offering private in-person workshops in:
Playwriting
Screenwriting
Television Writing
I work organically.
I take my cue from you.
I meet you where you are.
I give you specific, actionable notes and make sure you understand how to execute them.
It is my mission to get the best work out of you …
and I won’t quit until I do.
Workshops
In small intimate groups, participants present original work each week for reading and discussion. Through thoughtful critique and in-depth analysis, Carl helps illuminate and clarify the essential elements of successful dramatic storytelling in any genre, including:
Dynamic, compelling, fully developed story ideas
Rich, complex, multidimensional characters
Authentic, believable, memorable dialogue
Strong scene, sequence, and act construction
Effective story architecture, including classic 3-Act Structure
Rewriting techniques to enhance, elevate, and polish your script
Writers at every stage of the creative process are welcome. From the first spark of an idea to the final polish of a completed script, Carl’s workshops provide the insight, discipline, and encouragement you need to fully realize your vision.
Unleash your creativity in a safe, supportive, inspiring environment — one that combines rigorous professional guidance with practical tools and genuine creative community.
ALWAYS LIVE and
IN-PERSON!
Classes now forming in Midtown Manhattan
Enrollment is limited, early registration recommended.
“Carl goes right to the heart of the matter of whatever script you’re working on. He creates a safe, creative environment, makes insightful suggestions, and encourages everyone to participate. I get depressed when I’m not there.”
Joy Behar
Host, ABC’s The View
“Carl Capotorto has worked at the highest levels of film and TV writing for decades, and it shows. His intuitive ability to help the writer get to the source of any narrative dilemma is spot on. He knows how to unlock the writer’s unconscious and lead them to unearth material at a deeper level, he has the ability to communicate matters of technique in highly relatable terms, and he creates a warm community of writers that all support & encourage one another. His workshops are fun and productive!”
Roma Maffia
Actor, Writer
“Carl Capotorto is more than just an instructor. He is an empath, with the ability to join you in your creative world and help make it come alive more clearly and more profoundly. He is a wonderful dramaturg. I have taken a number of dramatic writing classes, and Carl’s is by far the best. He not only helps to make my work better, he makes me want to work harder. No easy task. Take his class, and see for yourself.”
Edward L. Beck
Priest, Playwright, Author,
On-Air CNN Commentator
Testimonials
Carl is a terrifically astute big-picture guy. Pun intended. He looks at the story arc of your pilot, screenplay or stage play and helps you reconsider things in a calm and unerringly positive way. He gives you notes that are thoughtful, provocative and actionable. Carl will help you move things forward, and for that I highly recommend him!
— Florence B.Wherever you are in your writing journey, Carl provides a warm and professional space to grow as a writer. I highly recommend his workshop!
— Donna B.
As a playwright, I can't tell you how many times I've felt blocked and tripping over my own ideas. Carl has a gentle, organic way of guiding you back to the page. What I value above all is the safe environment he creates, one where my process and ideas are protected, allowing me to grow and explore freely.
— Nick R.Praise for Twisted Head
“I couldn’t put it down. It’s one of the most hilarious descriptions of growing up Italian I have ever read.”
–Nick Pileggi, author of Wiseguy
"It takes considerable talent to make the telling of a more-or-less ordinary childhood and adolescence reveal in specialness. Carl Capotorto has this considerable talent — by objectively reliving — not judging but observing … observing very carefully and honestly."
— Edward Albee
“Not since Mario Puzo’s novel The Fortunate Pilgrim have readers been treated to such a sweet and sour tale of growing up Italian-American and of coming to appreciate the sturdy rock that is family.”
–Ken Auletta
“Carl Capotorto’s book feels like a Sunday dinner as a kid–familiar and warm. It’ s filled with the same peculiarities, complications, and profoundly specific characters . . . all portrayed with great warmth and generosity of spirit. It made me fall in love with my own imperfect family all over again.”
–Edie Falco