I was in Xandra Castleton's 2024 Rooted and Written Fellowship Screenwriting cohort and it was an experience that changed my life. Xandra's hands-on approach to screenwriting using actionable prompts and carefully curated screenplay resources was beyond helpful as I began pulling my first original screenplay from my head onto the page. Her notes and comments were invaluable as I began making the transition from nonfiction writing into an entirely different kind of storytelling. In fact, by the end of the week with her I'd realized one novel I've been struggling with for 3 years is actually a screenplay! And now I have a better set of tools in which to mold that story for the screen. She is an empathetic and generous instructor. I highly recommend working with Xandra and already cannot wait to collaborate with her again. —Sezin Devi Koehler, Author

Xandra's teaching style is that of a guide handing over a map, a compass, and a walkie-talkie to call for help when you need it. You never feel alone, but are given agency to explore, try, safely fail and thoughtfully succeed. She brings a wealth of creative resources to class and works to help every idea (even the most absurd) succeed.  -  Adam S, Artistic Director

Xandra’s feedback on my work has always been invaluable. Her attention to plot, character development, scene construction, and quality of dialogue consistently elevates my work to the next level.  I find I walk away not only with a wealth of notes, but also with a new perspective and enthusiasm on writing at large.  -  Emma P, Ballet Dancer

Xandra reads deeply. This orients her feedback around vital questions on character and plot from the perspective of a viewer and a reader. Her questions guided me on a substantial restructuring from a first draft and helped me to reach out to a co-writer that could best compliment my own skills. Indispensable. - Cathy Lee Crane, '13 Guggenheim Fellow, Producer/Director, The Manhattan Front

I have never enjoyed a course as much as this one. Xandra Castelton is an excellent teacher. Her lectures were concise and focused on each week's lesson. As a first-time screenwriter, I found the pace of the course challenging yet comfortable. She managed to answer each student's questions in ways that helped everyone. - Stanford student (submitted anonymously)

This course exceeded my every expectation. Xandra was a warm and knowledgeable instructor that motivated us students to find passion and quality in our work. The positive environment of collaboration and constructive critique from fellow students way surpassed that of previous courses I have taken in creative writing. I truly hope that Xandra will be offering more courses in the future! - Stanford student (submitted anonymously)