It's obviously great that this place exists for an introverted, writerly city like Seattle, but this legendary nonprofit has developed some key flaws since its founding. First off, it doesn't honor its mandate as a place for community-building nearly enough. With over 90% of their classes virtual on any given season, they are not taking advantage of their beautiful building to have in-person classes where people can meet. If virtual classes is what I'm looking for, then I'll take a virtual class based in New York, LA, London, etc. Secondly, not all their instructors are of the same quality. Some are quite good without a doubt, while others have scant publishing credentials or dubious abilities to lead a class (e.g., they lack focus, or lack facilitation skills, etc.). A baseline standard & some class leadership guidelines would go a long way. I will say, Hugo House largely keeps the focus on writing, and doesn't fall prey to distracting identity politics like other Seattle literary institutions (looking at you, Open Books). Also can we, like, fix the audio in open mics? I feel like we're in a cave. read more

This is an AWESOME writing school or writing educational center located right next to Kajiken (the aburasoba place) on 11th Avenue in Seattle's Capitol Hill District. Founded by or named after the poet and teacher Richard Hugo, the school offers creative writing classes on every single aspect of the craft imaginable (as can be seen by the colorful fliers posted on the inside of the wall). Definitely check this place out on 11th Avenue! read more

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I signed up for a 9-month long class on spec fiction, but on the first day of class, it wasn't what I expected. The focus seemed like it would be more on sci-fi and critiques, instead of writing. We were told we wouldn't even get writing prompts until one month in. We also didn't do anything on the first class, just did intros and talked about pronouns for 2 hours. The instructor also kept pushing for people to sign up to be critiqued.. which seems odd when we haven't even written anything. I was disappointed we didn't even get a writing prompt or pretty much anything to do with writing. If I had known the focus would be on sci-fi and critiques, I would not have signed up. I thought the rest of the 9 months would be miserable so I didn't want to go through with it. The Hugo House doesn't do refunds once you start class, which doesn't seem like a great system, especially for cases like this. They refunded me everything but 38% of what I paid, which was still $690. They told me that was the teacher's fee and it was to support their student and teachers. I get that, but they're still a business, and if the service isn't as described, and if they're not even delivering a service anymore, it seems disingenuous to still keep that much. I asked for a refund again but they just ignored me. I heard good things about them but unfortunately, my experience with them was not great. read more

Oh Richard Hugo House. I have spent many wonderful hours with you and hold many great memories of my time spent here. I have both been in a show here (Rite of Luna, May 2005) and seen a show here (Rite of Venus, June-July 2007). The Hugo House is in a convenient location with lots of good places to grab lunch/dinner before and/or after, and you can also get some coffee, beer, and/or wine inside. I wish I could remember more about the space itself, but.... I just remember having a great experience both watching and being part of the cast. And, well, extra points because apparently my friend (the one that put both of those shows together) obviously liked the Hugo House enough to return. read more

Hugo House - Specialty Schools Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I took an online class. The three stars are for a couple of useful lectures and the supportive atmosphere. But other than that, it was not worth the money. This was a class that was about shaping an excerpt from a memoir into a stand-alone essay and publication strategies and information. I got a handful of suggested journal titles (as did the other students) which barring a single platform matched what I'd already researched on my own, without any further elaboration. It was enjoyable but again, not worth hundreds of dollars. read more

Independent theater is a crucial part of the heartbeat of the arts community. Richard Hugo House offers far more in the way of performing arts than just theater; they have tons of readings and other performances in their auditorium, but we were here last night for a theatrical production. You walk up and it looks a little weedy and run-down from the south. You don't get the sense that you're coming up to a theater, really, but the homey-looking frontage of the northern half of the structure sets the right tone. You're right across 11th from the bustle of Cal Anderson Park. Inside, they've cobbled together a lobby with cafe; to the right crashbar doors pass you through to the 100-seat auditorium. It's a fully functional theater with professional lighting and audio, but they don't waste a lot of money here on frills. You might end up on a folding chair, but that's totally cool. We caught Yellow Face, produced by React Theater. I can't say enough good things about the casting and staging; they found a lot of the humor in Hwang's text, and they rocked the pacing right from the curtain. The whole cast put in big performances that dovetailed beautifully. As the second half rolled along, they found more and more of the serious drama and many effortlessly convincing emotional moments. Moses Yim and Jeremy Behrens shared the most powerful scene in the play, circling each other like snarling panthers and quieting a chatty audience to stillness. They both shone throughout, even in a strong cast. For years I've meant to visit RHH and I am so glad to finally have been here. I'll definitely be back again and again. read more

For all those soon-to-be writers who have a book waiting to burst forth from chains of self-doubt, this creative venue will give you wings and nudge you out of the nest. The classes alone are well worth the inexpensive membership fee and the addition of presentations by local and international authors will sweeten the deal. C'mon...you know you want to write that best seller. read more

Hugo House - Specialty Schools Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Many of you, like myself, may know about Hugo House from the special events that are held in its hallowed halls. But it wasn't till this summer - after Hugo moved to First Hill - that I had the opportunity to take a one-day comedy writing seminar with a great instructor and very empathetic fellow students. Hugo House is, first and foremost, a sanctuary for writers and poets. It offers a variety of short- and long-term courses by enlisting the help of instructors - published writers and other literati - some of whom are past beneficiaries of the programs that Hugo House offers. Next, Hugo House holds regularly scheduled open mic poetry/story readings - and everyone's welcomed. The worn, second-hand furniture in the lounge area and classrooms bespeak of "serious writing going on", whether the poem is about someone's arthritic cat, Mitzi, or an expose of an afternoon at the DMV. There is no or very little judging going on around here. I'd taken a course at Hugo House when it had recently moved to this temporary First HIll location. Some office suites had not been fully furnished and there were still stuff in boxes. Walking around the worn-carpeted floors and 70s-chic decor of the building one could rightly assume that, for employees of the Hugo House, running the school and its programs is a labor of love - one that would barely pay for parking in the area. Because the #1 rule of a writer is to suffer for his/her craft- and the temporary location of Hugo House - next to a church smack dab in the middle of Pill Hill with limited on-street parking ensures that all of their students who don't use public transportation will suffer repeatedly when they circle the block the twentieth time, glaring at that parking spot that's *just* a tad too small for their banged up Honda Civic, because that Mini Cooper is taking up two spaces, or contemplating the virtues of paying for two hours for on street parking on a weekly basis, when they've already paid for 6 weeks of writing courses. There are also several off-street pay lots - some of them questionable, located next to medical clinics and fragranced with the pervasive but effervescent smell of urine and excrement - but is it really necessary to suffer and angst so much for art? If it weren't for the inconvenient location of Hugo's temporary home, I would consider taking more courses here, as the instructor I had was very informative, well-informed and supportive, and my fellow classmates were wonderful - people whom I could connect with on a regular basis. But as it stands, one summer Sunday morning of trying to find parking next to a church with a too-small parking lot, and finally parking down the block in a questionable pay lot provided me with enough material for writing an entire season's worth of "Parking Wars - Downtown Seattle Edition". read more

My time at the Richard Hugo House began a mere two weeks ago. Interested in volunteer opportunities I attended a volunteer orientation in hopes I would be able to help kids in teens express themselves in the written form. The next week I was meeting with Ed Skoog, a Hugo House writer-in-residence, to go over a few recent poems I've written. The next night I found myself at Cheap Wine & Poetry reading at the open mic making my literary debut. Whew. The Richard Hugo House is a literary space for all those that love to write, read, or just appreciate those that do. They offer classes that are rather pricey which is unfortunate because I would love to take some. There is a library open to the public which contains an impressive amount of local writers of all forms. They have the biggest archive of 'zines anywhere in the world apparently. They allow anyone and everyone to drop off their homemade 'zine and catalog it amongst the mass. Richard Hugo was a poet born and raised in White Center. I have yet to read any of his work but from what I'm told its prolific. As previously stated my first event at the Hugo House was Cheap Wine & Poetry. There are about four featured poets then an open mic. $1 glasses of wine are offered as well as beer and mixed drinks. The crowd gets rowdy as the alcohol flows. Makes for a fun show but it does go on for a while. Show started at 7:00pm and when I was finally able to read it was 10:45pm or so. The crowd thinned exceptionally but I understand. You never know what your ears may be assulted with during an open mic and it was late. I do have to give a shout-out to my fellow open mic-ers: FERN and his tribute to Excalibur, the foreign camera guy who was hoping his poem would get him laid, the Mexican comedian Mauricio who was the only other Mexican besides there my sister and I, and the lady who read before me who downed a bottle of rum to calm her nerves then stumbled on stage and prefaced her poem with admitting she's shy and doesn't think she's attractive. I'm still not sure if that was the poem or she felt like getting that off her chest. read more

A cozy community literary/theater/arts house, tucked away in Capitol Hill. Great venue for interesting events, often with local writers and performers. Convenient location and free parking. What else can you ask for? read more

I have been here twice for outstanding events. I apreciate the opportunities to have excellent art and culture in yet another venue. Parking sucks, as always in Seattle. read more

Thank you Richard Hugo House for providing a place for many Asian American plays. A little independent theater tucked in Capitol Hill. They provide a place for many plays I've seen over the past 10 years. They provide a home for plays and writers. There's a cute little cafe you can visit during intermission. read more

I cannot give Richard Hugo House a full five stars, only because I am poor and their classes are, well, not great for poor people. I wish I could take a ton more of them, but at over $150 a pop (for about six class periods)... I can't justify it right now (and yes, I am cheap). I did take a poetry class which I highly enjoyed. But I love that such a place even EXISTS, and although I haven't attended any of their events yet, I plan on doing so eventually, as well as taking more classes. read more

Wow. I've heard of this place for years and only recently joined as a member and started a poetry class. The teacher is world class, inspiring, and delightful. I can't wait to experience more writing classes here as well as some of the Parking is paid/street parking but not too difficult to find. The buildilng is older, but reminds me of the feeling I had in college in our old administration building. read more

Hugo House is one of my favorite places in Seattle. It is a wonderful hub of literary activities in the region, offering great writing classes, readings, and other events. They offer numerous free events in addition to ticketed ones. I will miss the old building, but I look forward to the future! The farewell party to the old building was so much fun, especially with allowing us to write on the walls. I honestly wish we could have written on the walls from the very beginning. One of my dreams is to have an office with walls covered in words that I wrote. I've met a range of people here and I cherish all of them, even those I don't know very well and have just seen from across the room. Seattle is lucky to have such an amazing place to hang out and be a writer. So few cities have something like this. read more

The Richard Hugo House is an awesome place to showcase local seattle theater talent in a very intimate setting. I have come here to watch Ching Chong Chinaman and Sex in Seattle Episode 18. Both times I have only been greeted with much hospitality and smiles of anticipation. There is a full bar and a good size seating area to enjoy your drink before the show. The seats in the theater can vary on comfortability. The farther back the seats the more comfortable they are. Sound and lighting is good and the temperature in the theater is just right. The theater is clean and not too dark. Only downside is that although there are 2 unisex bathrooms, there can be a wait in line. read more

I love the cozy atmosphere! Came here last night with a few friends to watch Sex in Seattle Episode 18 and LOVED it!! The show was awesome! Though show is also 5 stars but this rating is not for the show it's for the Venue... there's a nice bar area for people to hang out before and after the show. Very hospitable greeters and will call tickets was a breeze; every part of the experience was very warm. Need more parking but luckily there's spots surrounding the park across the street. Lots of restaurants within vicinity (walking distance). read more

I've never been, even though I live a block away...but my best friend got me tickets! I was honestly worried that it was going to be a little extreme but I was totally surprised! I absolutely loved Alice's anthem! It was so amazing! It was hilarious, strange, deep, intense, bizarre and erotic! I loved it! I read more

Really great venue. Their theatre space hosts a great variety of interesting stuff. Lots of smart well-written stuff, and some intriguing local stuff, and some more amateur stuff done with lots of heart. Also host to some great literature readings and discussions. The bar area is pleasant and VERY well stocked. Great choice of beers and cocktails. And there's always some fun art pieces and interactive installations around the space, too. Somehow I only make it here a few times a year. But each time I kick myself for not attending more frequently. The only con is that parking in this area of capitol hill (Cal Anderson Park, etc) can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it. Plus, the delicious Rancho Bravo is nearby, so you can have tacos before or after the show. Hooray! read more

What a great venue! I've come here in the past for a poetry reading and was surprised that in all my years living just a few blocks away, I'd never heard of this place. read more

This is easily my favorite organization, and it will be yours too. . . Hugo House is bustling with passionate, interesting writers and readers who enjoy a wide array of classes, a fantastic literary series, great co-sponsored events, residencies, and new this fall: teen writing classes. If you love reading and writing go to their website! www.hugohouse.org read more

Best writing classes in Seattle. Sherman Alexie and Maria Semple are both supporters and have taught there, along with WA State book award winners, NYTimes and New Yorker writers, so many talented writers and staff here. Very welcoming and friendly to new writers, as well as professionals. They taught me how to write fiction after a career of nonfiction, and I've attended so many beautiful and important author events as well. Can't go wrong here! read more

I was walking briskly on another beautiful day in Cal Anderson Park when I look across and see a cute duplex house with people around. My curiosity lead me to the Hugo House where boards upon boards of ads seeking new writers and classes amused me. I also saw that a play was going to take place so I brought a ticket and sat down in the cafe while I was waiting for show to start. I loved the tables all around and loved how quiet it was while young writers tapped their lives away on their laptops writing the next best thing. When I got inside the theater, the sets were beautiful and very roomy. The actors are local and are actually really good and I think to myself "What a Wonderful World", as if. I do think though I will be back plenty of times for the plays and classes :) read more

seattle has such a rich art community and this is the spot to come and support local artists. i've been able to stop by the Richard Hugo House for plays in their theater and for literary events. The house is a multi-purpose place. they have writers in-residence. they have a cafe area - stocked with wine, nice beer selection, cocktails, tea and coffee - with small tables where you can relax before/after a show or where they have reading events. the theater is small and cozy. also being small and cozy and being a house is accepting it's shortcomings such as not having a lot of restrooms. i do remember one unisex bathroom and am not sure if there are more in the space. location: right in the heart of capitol hill although a little hidden next to Cal Anderson Park. so it's convenient to walk to a nearby restaurant or bar. yet since it is in capitol hill, parking is an issue so give yourself ample time to find parking. read more

Richard Hugo house is a great resource for Seattle writers. Their affordable membership gives you access to the in-house Zine library, and their writers-in-residence are available for writing coaching. They have many helpful classes for the aspiring writer. read more

Hugo House offers a large variety of writing courses and workshops. Taught by many local authors, these classes provide enrichment in numerous aspects of writing. From brainstorming to publishing, Hugo House offers classes all across the spectrum. With a passionate staff and a resident dog, Hugo House is a unique business that benefits everyone who walks through the doors. Located in Capitol Hill, Hugo House is sometimes plagued by drumming from the neighboring park, but overall has a peaceful and educational ambiance. read more

My favorite literary resource is the Richard Hugo House. There are always four writers, poets, or performers in residence, with community hours to share their skills and inspiration with anyone who e-mails for an appointment. The Hugo Zine Archive and Publishing Project has more than 20,000 zines organized by music or religion or race. Cabaret performances on the house stage are almost always free of charge, and theater productions and regular events fill gaps in the calendar between classes. If you like words, you'll get this place. And love it. read more

The best of the best. We're so lucky Hugo House is in Seattle. It's the lynchpin of all that's right and true.

Tons of events. Events at which wine/beer is cheap. Cool staff. Relaxed place. Mentally stimulating. A great addition to Capitol Hill!

the world would be a better place if more places like this existed. i love looking at the zines and seeing what kids like me were doing back in 95' or just checking out some art. this also a great place to come if you have aproject your working on your self they hav eall the free resources their for you. i ouwl highly suggest this stop to any one who like left bank books as well. read more

I love this place! I've taken two courses and thoroughly enjoyed both. I must admit, that the people really do make each class unique. It is a great way of meeting other fellow writers and deep dive into topics of interest. read more

Just got back from Write o Rama and my first visit. What an amazing place, filled chock full with opportunities. We need more places like this. read more