Martinsburg native, Adam Jones, will share time-tested tricks, tips and tools at Berkeley Art Works.

Adam Jones, actor, director and writer with scores of credits to his name, is visiting his family in Martinsburg this July. While in town, Jones plans to teach two workshops at Berkeley Art Works in downtown Martinsburg. A four-session workshop will focus on the basics of script writing, and new web opportunities that are open to every artist. An afternoon workshop will discuss ways to overcome writer’s block.

“These dynamic workshops are geared to writers of all levels,” said Berkeley Art Works president Malinda Shaver. “All you need to bring is your laptop or notepad and your imagination.”

Jones fell in love with the performing arts while a student actor at Martinsburg’s Apollo Civic Theater. After graduating from Bard College with two B.F.A.s in Writing and Acting, Adam wrote, directed, and acted in his first feature film “Cross Eyed” at the age of 24.  While living in New York as a novice screenwriter, Adam worked in set design and construction on numerous Hollywood films and acted in several independent films. His most recent performance was in the mini-series Hatfields and McCoys.

Adam lives in Los Angeles, working as a writer/director/actor, script doctor, and story consultant on a variety of projects, helping writers articulate the story they wish to tell. He has been obsessed with storytelling ever since he was a boy – whether it be the day-to-day stories we tell each other about ourselves or the stories writers imagine onto the page, screen, or stage. He is excited to be sharing his knowledge and experience with other aspiring writers at the Berkeley Art Works.  Everyone is a storyteller – writers and non-writers alike.

Workshops will be held at Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg. The workshops are:

“The New Storytellers: Writing for Film, TV and the Web, Introduction to Script Writing.” Covers the basics of script writing, looks at a variety of ways to tell a story and script it to paper and explores ways the internet has opened up opportunities for every artist. Four Wednesday sessions, July 2-July 23, 6:00-9:00 p.m.; $85; pre-registration is required; act now, class size is limited.

“Start Writing and Keep Writing: Tricks, Tips and Tools to Overcome Writer’s Block.” Focuses on getting ideas onto the page through self-doubt, writer’s block and the feeling that there are not enough hours in the day. One afternoon session, Saturday, July 12, 1:00-5:00 p.m.; $45; pre-registration is required; act now, class size is limited.

For more information and to pre-register, visit Berkeley Art Works at artworks.berkeleyartswv.org/instruction/. More information is available by email berkeleyartswv@gmail.com or 304-620-7277.