Demystifying Online Courses

My name is Pete Ruddy, I’m 43 years old, I’ve spent lockdown in Ipswich with my family.

When I first saw about parent playwriting at Eastern Angles, the sound of it was intriguing. I thought the idea of having an activity away from the children would be a great way to use some creativity. During lockdown, a 3 bedroomed house can feel really small with five people. Especially if you’re a man in his forties who doesn’t speak Xbox. 

I knew Eastern Angles from going to their work previously. I’d done some writing in the past and stand-up comedy. That was many years ago and felt like a different life as since then we’d had children, they were our priority and writing faded away. I signed up for the course with trepidation, I’d never taken part in online courses before. The only zoom we had in our house was the kids pretending they were racing cars.

The night of the first session I almost didn’t attend. I was scared of being out of place or out of my depth. The eagerness to book was replaced by a reticence to click to join. Once I did, I could see how wrong I was. From the very first minute Scott Hurran leading the group was welcoming and helpful. The group felt inclusive, with nobody left out. Those who wanted to share ideas could do so, those who didn’t want to didn’t have to. Week one, I was quiet, but enjoyed listening to others ideas. Seeing others grow the seed of an idea into a full piece of dialogue by the end of the half hour and being able to do so myself was really freeing.

Each session worked alongside the one before, as well as being standalone for those doing individual classes. All four sessions focused on a different element, from character to relationships to backstory, building up interesting pieces of script to take forward. Over the weeks it really helped me regain confidence I thought I had permanently lost and has genuinely helped me rediscover a love of writing. Each week I looked forward to Tuesday night and the new techniques, giving new ideas in my notebook.

It’s helped with home schooling and the children’s story writing as we share ideas together. I learnt so much over the time of parent playwriting. Without doubt Eastern Angles have given me tools that I will use long beyond lockdown and Covid. I have carried on from what I started with the group and Scott. 

You almost forget its online as it is a shared experience, participating like you’re in the room together. I would recommend attending as it’s an excellent way to learn. Whether you are a beginner or refresher you’ll gain significantly by doing this. As a parent just having that half hour “you time” is invaluable for good mental health but having this creative outlet has been a joy.

I can wholeheartedly recommend online sessions with Eastern Angles, it was a pleasure to do.

To find out more about Eastern Angles digital courses check out our What's On