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Storytelling for all.

The Writer’s Crucible

The Writer’s Crucible is a community of multi-hyphenates who support each other in Hollywood and beyond, founded by Alex Henrikson.

Our Classes

  • SPARK

    Do you have a great idea and don't know where to start? Do you find structure overwhelming? Do you need accountability?

    Mondays
    4-6pm PST

  • FLAME

    Have you written a few things? Do you "get" structure? Are you ready to practice so you can know yourself and your process?

    Wednesdays
    4-6pm PST

  • GHOSTLIGHT

    Does the Theater call your name? Did you just read thE-a-tah in your mind? Do you want to make your own work from a place of creative play?

    Sundays
    12-2pm PST

  • SPOTLIGHT

    Do you know what play you want to write? Do you need mentorship and a resourceful pal to help you weave your tale?

    Tuesdays
    4-6:30pm PST

The Crucible & The Pyre

The Crucible and Pyre are writers groups of multi-hyphenate women and non-binary people building community in Hollywood through weekly work with Alex, accountability to one another and a consistent generosity of spirit.

(Invitation only from classes and coaching.)

Second Sunday Series

What is Second Sunday?
It is a reading series and a victory lap. Once a month on Zoom we read our writers’ screenplays out loud with professional actors. It is a great way for our Crucible and Pyre members to hear their stories and a chance for the work to be received by an audience.

How can I support?
Come and listen. Cheer us on. And maybe you will discover your new favorite writer!

Meet Your Coaches

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  • Explores real women fighting the fantastical and monstrous.

    Alex is a screenwriter, actress, and Professor of Acting at the Old Globe and University of San Diego’s Shiley Graduate Theater Program. She is based in LA. She is the founder of The Writer’s Crucible.

    (Keep Reading)

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  • Julia is an internationally-acclaimed writer for stage and screen. Her work has been produced across North America and in Europe. Her hit play, WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN was short-listed for the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle’s “Best Production” (Boston Court Pasadena). Julia was playwright in residence at the Banff Centre for Arts, and is a member of Coach Henrikson’s advances writers group, The Crucible*.

    Most recently, her play, I AM AN ISLAND, premiered at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas.
    Julia has adapted three of her plays into films that have been selections at major festivals including: SXSW, TIFF, Palm Springs, and Fantasia. Her feature adaptation of WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN won “Best Screenplay” at Female Filmmakers Berlin; “Best Feature” at the Canadian Film Festival, Reelworld, and the Santa Fe International Film Festival; and was one of Mashable’s “Best Films out of SXSW 2023.”

    Her expertise is in helping writers discover their distinct voice, finding the core and emotion that drives a story, and approaching work in a thoughtful, imaginative way.

    Julia coaches the Ghostlight and Spotlight classes.