The Solo Shop
Find your voice. Shape the story. Share your truth.
About the Solo Shop
The Solo Shop is an eight-week intensive for writers and performers ready to develop a new and innovative solo show.
Whether you're starting with a blank page or deep into revisions, you'll get the structure, support, and feedback you need to craft something deeply impactful for yourself and your audience.
Over eight weeks, we’ll explore:
Structure and characteristics of successful solo work
Finding and strengthening the thematic heart of your play
Creating a strong connection with the audience
What to do with too many stories
Overcoming imposter syndrome
Incorporating humor
and more!
In addition, the program includes ample private coaching and an opportunity to showcase your work at the end.
Space in The Solo Shop is limited, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you feel driven to tell your own story or develop something with a solo performer in mind, apply today.
Course Structure
The Solo Shop includes four critical components:
1) Weekly lessons from the instructor delivered to your inbox that delve into the craft and analysis of successful solo work. These lessons end with exercises designed to help you incorporate the lessons into your own project.
2) Bi-weekly private coaching sessions with the instructor to discuss your project at whatever stage it’s in, from early brainstorming to production strategies. This is where you can bring your biggest concerns or insecurities, discuss whether to include certain elements, and plan for the future of your work. These sessions aren’t prescriptive. They’re meant to support you in honing your own unique voice and story.
3) Alternating bi-weekly cohort sessions virtually over Zoom. During these supportive community sessions, you’ll discuss your implementation of the week’s lesson, present portions of your work, and get feedback from the cohort. These sessions draw from everyone’s talent and experience to help you build a relationship with your audience, ask the big questions, and figure out what choices work best.
4) A final showcase presentation, where you’ll virtually present a portion of your work to invited guests and possible collaborators.
About the Instructor
Joanna Castle Miller is a NY-based playwright, performer, and satirist with a focus on solo and autobiographical work. Her DECONSTRUCTION TRILOGY includes the one-womanshow CONVERSA and two-hander INFERNA, both of which will receive their world premieres in 2026, with Joanna performing. Other recent work includes EKPHRASIS, The Storehouse, and her new solo show They Painted Us Real. She is a recent Nexus Fellow with New York Stage and Film and a commissioned playwright with We the Women.
As a satirist, Joanna has written monologues and solo pieces for McSweeney’s, Time, The Hill, and Funny or Die and currently hosts local comedy shows The Town Criers and The Hudson Valley Bechdel Test. Her comedic character pieces and solo one-acts have premiered at comedy theaters in New York and Los Angeles, including UCB and iOWest.
In addition, Joanna is the co-founder of Hire Survivors Broadway, which works to end retaliation and create safer spaces for survivors of sexual violence in the arts; and she’s the founder of Wait Don’t Leave Productions, which focuses on projects related to historical memory – including autobiographical narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Solo Shop take place?
This course will be offered in the fall 2025, with future courses likely to be bi-annual.
How much does it cost?
The program currently costs $400 per person, which covers live and pre-prepared instruction, four private coaching sessions, four guided feedback sessions, and a virtual showcase.
What if I’ve never performed before (or written a full-length play)?
This program is designed for seasoned writers and/or performers. However, you don’t have to have experience in both. Ultimately, we’re looking for people who have something to say and the willingness to explore how to say it in the most impactful way.
What other qualities are you looking for?
All Solo Shop participants should come with a creative drive, openness to feedback, and a desire to make their own work and others’ stronger in a respectful, supportive, fully-inclusive space.
Do you accept writers who don’t want to perform their own work?
Absolutely! You don’t have to perform in your solo show to benefit from the program. However, you will need to present the work on your own for the bi-weekly meetings, as these are only for cohort members. Later at the showcase, you’ll have the opportunity to work with an outside actor.
What about stories that aren’t biographical?
Yes! Some of the best solo shows draw from history, current events, and more to create powerful work. We welcome these projects.
Do you offer private coaching?
Private coaching options are available for certain projects. Contact Joanna for more information.
What Else Can I Expect from This Course?
Class Assets
Video and written lessons delivered directly to your inbox.
Proven Techniques
Tools for finding your story’s heart and building a strong throughline.
Uplifting and Creative Environment
Support to push through perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and overload.
Expansive Ideas
Guidance on giving your personal narrative a universal impact.
Additional Resources
Optional reading and videos to help you improve your writing and further your development at your own pace.
Production Strategies
Personalized, practical guidance on the next step for your work based on your experience, goals, and ideal audience.
Optional Future Feedback
Personalized support from Joanna at a discounted rate beyond the length of the class.
What Others Are Saying About Developing New Work with Joanna
“Exceptional! Joanna brought enthusiasm, knowledge and organized presentations to each class.” – Thomas Pease
“I really appreciated Joanna's expertise and her joy. She clearly really enjoys teaching, and that energy set the tone for a fun and comfortable group to interact with. There was never any let down. She was the same in every class: on-point, making connections, and providing encouragement and guidance.” – Former student
“(Joanna is) very welcoming, positive, accepting and constructive in feedback. Lots of info balanced with practice.” – J. Cullinane
“You don't usually get someone who's as compassionate, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, open as an artist and skilled in putting together an inspiring mix of observation and action for a mix of students.” – Former student
“I appreciated Joanna’s depth of knowledge, passion for subject, and structure of lessons with clear illustrations of concepts being taught. She provided focused and meaningful feedback.” – Former student
“The attitude and atmosphere of a class stems from the instructor, and this class was open, warm. Lots of info balanced with practice, and welcoming. Peppy. Fun. And with a healthy attitude toward criticism, which is essential.” – Former student
“Joanna is an ideal instructor. She knows a ton. She’s great at conveying the material. And she puts in the work for the students by providing great feedback, listening, and preparing dynamic sessions.” – Sean U.