Montana Playwrights Network (MPN) Presents

Montana Writers Rodeo in Helena, MT:

MONTANA WRITERS RODEO: “Montana Inspires Story”

Exploring the statement, “Montana Inspires Story”, the Montana Writers Rodeo will host four leading presenters knowledgeable about how the state of Montana inspires story in plays, novels, screenwriting and filmmaking. Hosted by MPN President Pamela Mencher and MPN Treasurer Pearl Allen, and co-directed by Christa Chiriaco and Mindy Peltier, the Montana Writers Rodeo will take place at the Helena Avenue Theatre at 1319 Helena Avenue. This engaging conference encourages writers of all genres and across the state of Montana to gather for inspiration, story education, author readings and networking.

The dates of the conference are October 20-21, 2023. For complete conference information, go to ww.montanaplaywrights.org. For more information, call or text: 406-235-0353. 

Montana Writers Rodeo Schedule of Events

Friday: October 20, 2023

3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Registration

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Meet and Greet Reception

7:00 p.m. Welcome & Introductions

Keynote Address: Allison Whitmer, Montana Film Commissioner

8:00 p.m. Author Readings: Facilitator: Christa Chiriaco

Saturday: October 21, 2023

8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration and Check-In

9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Welcome

9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Workshop 1: High, Wide & Handsome: Presenter: Allison Whitmer

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Workshop 2: How to Write a Play in 5 Minutes Presenter: Jay Kettering

12:15 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch Break on your own.

1:45 - 3:00 p.m. Workshop 3: Novel Writing 101: Presenter: Angela Breidenbach

3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Workshop 4: Screenwriting Jump Start: Presenter: Barbara Schiffman

4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Dinner Break on your own.

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Presenters Panel: Panelists explore careers as successful writers in Montana.

Facilitator: Mindy Peltier 

Panelists: Allison Whitmer, Angela Breidenbach,

Jay Kettering, & Barbara Schiffman

7:15 p.m. Author Readings: Facilitator: Christa Chiriaco

8:15 p.m. Closing

Select one of the following admission tickets:

Montana Writers Rodeo Admission Prices:

$95 Conference Pass: Provides complete access to all conference events.

$45: Student Rate*: Conference Pass

$60: One Day Pass: Provides complete access to all conference events on October 21.

$30: Student Rate*: One Day Pass

$20: One Evening Pass: (October 20: Welcome Address + Readings) OR (October 21: Panel Discussion + Readings)

$35 Dual Pass for both Evening Events + Readings: October 20 & 21.

* With current student ID.