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Detour Workshops -- Emergent Story: Discovering Narrative
by
Back to Detour: Improv Theater Festival
Sat, Mar 14, 2026
1 PM – 4 PM EDT (GMT-4)
Wean Hall Room 5403
5000 Forbes Avenue, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
15
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Registration
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Details
Every moment on stage contains the seed of a story waiting to be discovered. This workshop introduces the fundamental principles of narrative structure through the lens of improvisation, teaching participants how to recognize and develop the dramatic potential in any scene. Through a combination of structured exercises and guided scene work, you'll learn to identify dramatic stakes, character wants, and emergent narrative structure that emerge through scenic play. We'll explore how to build narrative momentum while staying present and truthful in scenes, and develop compelling story arcs that engage both performers and audience. Perfect for theater practitioners looking to expand their toolkit and improvisers wanting to strengthen their storytelling foundations.
Topic: Narrative Structure & Scene Development
Please arrive at least 5 minutes early and check in with the NPP representative in front of the workshop location. If you can't make it, please cancel your reservation to allow others to register due to limited space. Thank you!
Dress Casual (jeans ok)
Speakers
Gab Cody
Gab Cody creates immersive, devised and site-specific work as well as theater meant-to-be-performed in a theater. She serves as lead writer and co-creator on the immersive urban adventures STRATA and OjO (Bricolage Production Company) produced in Pittsburgh and at La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival.
Ms. Cody is also an award-winning filmmaker and Pittsburgh regional rep for the Dramatists Guild. She has been a guest lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University and the College of William and Mary. Her plays have been staged at the La Jolla Playhouse, Quantum Theatre, Pittsburgh Playhouse, August Wilson Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival, New York City’s New Dramatists and Urban Stages, Coconut Grove Playhouse, and at theaters in Seattle, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Sydney, Australia.