Laura Sturza, Writer/Teacher

About the Artist

Laura Sturza is a writer and teacher living in Rockville, Maryland. She primarily teaches classes for older adults that incorporate her experience as a writer, storyteller, and theatre artist. She marvels over the courage and artistry of her students and welcomes the chance to work with groups of all ages and backgrounds. Laura's work is published in The Washington Post, Shondaland, AARP’s The Girlfriend,  The LA Times, and Lunch Ticket, among others. Laura wrote, produced, and starred in the one-woman show, Finding the Perfect Place to Live in 111 Gyrations. She is completing the memoir, The Adventures of an Almost 50, Never Married, Wannabe-Wife. Laura received an MA in Communications/Writing/Theatre from George Mason University where she taught public speaking. She later worked with students as an administrator at the University of Southern California. Laura is a certified yoga instructor and incorporates gentle stretching and mindfulness into her writing classes. Find her at laurasturza.com

Artist's Statement

Tell Us Your Story is an interactive class series that lets students discover their voices as writers and read-aloud storytellers. Beginners and more experienced writers are welcome. Participants learn writing skills including getting first drafts on the page, using prompts to elicit stories, employing emotion, including sensory details, writing dialogue, building dramatic tension, developing character through descriptive details, editing, reading aloud, and offering thoughtful, kind feedback to fellow students. Classes typically include 6 to 12 students and last 5 to 8 weeks in one to 1.5-hour sessions but can be adapted to the particular site's needs. A safe, welcoming environment is established during class discussions, which helps build community. Students take part in guided in-class writing. Writing prompts guide students in writing their own life stories about meaningful matters such as places they have lived, family, community, occupations, and favorite meals. Gentle stretches that are readily adaptive to all individuals are part of each class and support creativity. If students wish to do so, the final class will include a celebration of storytelling by participants who would like to read their work aloud. Often, a final magazine is created featuring student work.