Dialogue and Subtext with George Kemp
Whether a character is asking for a cup of tea or a divorce, we want meaning to be buzzing underneath. Join us for a one-day deep-dive into the fascinating space between what a character says and what they actually mean.
Date: Sunday 27th September 2026.
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Delivery: In-Person
Fees: $115 to $225
Location: Varuna’s Reading Room, Katoomba
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
Writing dialogue is difficult, thrilling and loads of fun. George Kemp, author of the critically acclaimed novel Soft Serve, brings his background as a playwright and actor to this entertaining and enlightening full-day course for fiction writers.
When two characters speak to each other, each line of dialogue should be active, and each line should be a chance to get what the character wants. Whether a character is asking for a cup of tea or a divorce, we want meaning to be buzzing underneath.
Deep-dive into the fascinating space between what a character says and what they actually mean.
A light lunch of warming vegetable soup* and sourdough bread will be offered to all participants. If you would prefer to bring your own lunch, please feel very welcome to use our fridge and microwave.
*vegan and gluten-free
This workshop is an 18+ event.
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George is a writer for stage, page and screen. His critically acclaimed debut novel Soft Serve was published in February by UQP and his work has been featured in Sweaty City magazine, Spectrum, Queerstories, The Faber Anthology and an upcoming edition of Griffith Review. His award-winning play Shack has been performed frequently around the country and internationally, from Toowoomba to Tokyo to Texas and is included on the NSW Drama Curriculum.
George has had a successful career as an actor across Australia and England, in productions such as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Cyrano de Bergerac for Sydney Theatre Company, as well as multiple national and international tours. He is a passionate educator and mentor of writers and actors, and is currently Producer of New Writing & Artist Development at Australian Theatre for Young People.