The Writer's Center is such a special place, a great resource for writers or wish-they-were-writers in the DMV. They offer creative writing workshops (in person at their Bethesda location and via Zoom), events for writers, and other opportunities and resources for writers. I've taken one or two online course or workshops, but yesterday, I attended an in person, all day event on publishing (everything a writer needs to know about editing, getting an agent, submissions, etc.). It was a great event. I met a bunch of interesting, smart, creative people who are or want to be writers, learned from each of the four panels I attended, and had a great overall experience. I would absolutely attend another event or workshop as I continue to explore whether I have some writing in me (still a maybe)! What a great resource for DMV writers! read more

Great classes with good professors, very welcoming and warm environment. I learned how to write good dialogue there! You can also use their facilities to write, a great addition to the writer's very solitary 'job' life. read more

It has been quite a few years since I've taken a class, but I did attend a half dozen or so. I found the professors of course knowledgeable, but also genuine. The range of the experience of the students tended to be wide, some in the beginner's novel did not have their idea yet while some had rough drafts. Regardless of this, getting so much honest feedback was invaluable. read more

I love coming here to see unique and creative shows. I drive from Baltimore whenever the Flying V have a new production. They always come up with the most interesting concepts. The theater is nice and intimate with stadium seating. They do have a small concession stand set up at the entrance of the theater which sells soda, wine, beer and snacks. Come see a show or two or three.....tell a friend, bring a friend, have that friends friend bring s friend read more

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We just saw "The Caretaker" at the Writer's Center in Bethesda. The acting is fantastic! I haven't seen acting that good in years. You definitely don't want to miss it. read more

I've only taken one workshop here, but I would definitely take more if I wasn't starting grad school in the fall. The instructor, Emily Miller, was really helpful and down to earth. I think she teaches part-time at George Washington University and has an MFA. She answered all of our questions and treated us like peers. The mix of students in the class was great. The age range was anywhere from 22-65 and everyone was considerate, while still offering tips that actually could help us. Classes are about $200 for 8 weeks. They have workshops on everything from poetry, to magazine writing to successful freelancing. I would definitely recommend them for everyone as a good hobby or to help complete that novel floating around in your head. read more

The Writer's Center - Adult Education Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I registered for a screenplay writing course, at an intermediate level. The instructor was very arrogant and did not seem to have a plan other than having students read screenplays to each other, without going over the theory of screenplay writing. I The instructor thought he knew more than a famous author of a screenplay book, but has very little experience himself other than taking part in a lousy movie that made no money. stopped going after the first session, and the writing center only gave me a partial refund. read more

I've taken a number of workshops here, and it is by far the best writing workshop in the DC area. The instructors are well versed in writing and offer productive critiques The workshop participants are wide ranging - from published authors to individuals who have never written fiction. My only complaint - being a DC resident - is that its a haul to metro to Bethesda and back. However - I still keep taking the workshops because they simply are the best in the DC area. read more

I've taken 2 workshops through the Writers Center and both were excellent. Hildie Block's "Structuring the Novel" was especially good. She provided individualized attention, and wasn't afraid to force a subject change when one class member tried to turn the workshop into group therapy. As those of you who have taken writing workshops know, this happens with some frequency. A poor instructor will allow it to ruin the course for everyone. Khris Baxter's one day introduction to screenwriting was a great overview of the media, perfect for people with experience in other types of writing. He covered a lot of material, kept the class focused, and used short films to illustrate his points. I also attended three of the Writer's Center First Friday events in Leesburg. The good thing about them were that they were laid back. One of the events was an evening of writers games, which I really enjoy. The bad thing was that I didn't have a whole lot in common with most of the other attendees in Leesburg. It was at least 85% retirees wanting to write their memoirs and stay at home moms wanting to write children's books--noble pursuits, just not ones that interest me. What I especially like about the Writer's Center course offerings is that there is a very large range. They offer workshops on everything from stand up comedy, to radio essays, to business writing. If you have a choice of venue, I recommend the Bethesda location. It is comfortable and cozy, and there are a lot of places within walking distance so you can grab a cup of coffee with your classmates. The Writers Center is a super-fantastic resource, and one of the reasons I'm glad to live in this area. read more

These workshops are really top notch. They were very helpful to me on developing a recent book idea.

I enrolled in a course (several years ago), and showed up for the first session to learn that the entire course had been canceled without any notice to enrollees. I did receive a full refund by mail after I requested it, and completely understand the need to cancel courses if enrollment is low. But without appropriate notice to those folks who did enroll, I would not enroll in a course here again. read more

I signed up for a membership hoping to take full advantage of it. However, the first two workshops I enrolled in were both cancelled due to low enrollment, though there was no mention of the possibility of cancellation on the website. I enrolled in a third, which is upcoming, unless it's cancelled. If it happens and if it goes well, I may update my rating. read more

Very snobby people (staff and other attendees). Very poorly run. Unless you have the highest of degrees in literature and only read the top literary books (chick lit? gasp! the horror! such a thing is not allowed!!!) you are treated poorly and looked down on. The instructors are also very full of themselves, and most only teach here because no one else will have them and they're washed up. This place is for the elitist snobs of the world, not for the normal, nice people. I gave them a number of chances, figuring one bad experience doesn't make the whole...sadly in this case, it does. read more

I took one mixed genre beginning course here and I found the instructor to be well-versed in writing. The critique/feedback format was very helpful--people gave good constructive feedback without being critical or negative. I got a lot of good feedback on my writing and I intend to come back in the fall for another course. Get the membership--the discounts for classes are worth it, especially if you take multiple classes. read more

The Writer's Center[IMPROV WORKSHOPS] Sun. at the center I went to a sample class.[ IN SIDE THERE IS A THEATER ] it was wounderful! Fun,made me laugh and I found it to be a great stress release.PRECIPICE IMPROV THEATER the teacher has a sharp ,quick moving mind that will keep you naturally interested.Thank you Gary Jacobs for opening my interests to imprv. 3016548664 Claudia read more

Went to the Writer's Center for a fun production by Flying V - Mario Brothers. So much fun to see Mario and Luigi saving the princesses. A must see for video game players! Brings memories of a fun era! read more

The location of the Writer's Center is great - a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda metro station and about a 2 minute walk from all the busy shops and restaurants. It's rather an older building and they have not gone through any renovations. However, aside from the appearance of the building and the inside decorations, I had a wonderful time here this past weekend for a Valentine's Day Improv workshop and performance with Precipice and Flashbang! Improv. It was definitely out of the ordinary but it was a great beginners and intro class to those (like me) who have never acted. The only reason they get a 3-star is because the place seemed unimpressive and even though the actors are professional, they seemed to be lacking real performance experience. read more

I have been taking classes at The Writer's Center for years--Creative Nonfiction, essay writing, screenwriting, Improvisation for the writer and a great speech writing class. The people who taught were professionals in their fields, active in their medium and really fun. Each teacher offered a structured way to view writing and were open about their own experiences. Each class had students that impressed me with their writing. Most of all, we had some good laughs. I read a different review where the building doesn't live up to someone's expectations. It's clean and comfortable. The Writer's Center is always a place in progress. The priority is on love of writing. That's what counts. read more

The Writer's Center hosts interesting, high quality, and inclusive events, classes, and workshops. I have benefitted from it for more than half my life and hope to continue doing so the next 30 years! read more