Box office: 020 7978 7040
Every writer gets stuck — but why? And more importantly, how do we get unstuck?
In this practical masterclass, playwright and neuropsychology researcher Athena Stevens unpacks the neuroscience behind writer’s block, procrastination, and creative burnout. You’ll learn how brain structures like the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala shape your writing process — and how to rewire unhelpful patterns using proven cognitive strategies.
The session blends lecture, group discussion, and in-the-moment writing experiments to equip you with a personal “neuro-toolkit” you can use long after the class ends. Expect a mix of science, storytelling, and self-reflection — all aimed at making your writing process more creative, consistent, and compassionate.
Perfect for writers at any stage of their career who find themselves blocked, stuck in loops of self-doubt, or struggling to maintain creative flow. You don’t need a background in science — just curiosity and a willingness to work with your brain instead of against it.
Wednesday 24 September 2025, 19:00-21:30
This masterclass will take place online and participants will be sent a link ahead of the Masterclass.
If you have any access requirements, you can let us know by contacting filling out our Writer’s Programme Accessibility Form or contacting Theatre503 via our Writers’ Programme email, writersprogramme@theatre503.com or by calling 02079787040.
For further details of Theatre503 Accessibility, please visit the Access page of our website.
Thanks to our Share The Drama scheme, we want to make sure those of you who are struggling in the current climate can still take part in our Writers Programme. If you would like to book a Share The Drama bursary for the Writer’s Programme, please call our box office on 02079787040.
Athena Stevens
Athena Stevens is an Olivier-nominated playwright, screenwriter, author, and neuropsychology researcher at Harvard. Her internationally recognised work explores the intersection of storytelling, justice, and neuroscience. As both an artist and academic, she specialises in making science emotionally relevant and creatively empowering. Her debut memoir, What’s Done Cannot Be Undone, is out now from HarperCollins
Photo credit: Zannah Cooper
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