"Dana Coen has decades of experience writing for the screen and stage, and eagerly shares his expertise via presentations that are evocative, thorough and well-organized. His session on Dramatic Writing for the Screen and Stage: Exploring the Fundamentals at Write Now! 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina was thought-provoking and very well-received. We look forward to having Dana back at a future conference."

Donald Vaughan, Founder, Triangle Association of Freelancers, Raleigh, NC

“Dana Coen’s extensive professional experience as a television writer-producer and educator make him eminently qualified to speak on anything related to screenwriting, playwriting, and writing in general. His first-hand knowledge of the craft and ability to communicate those insights in a clear, coherent fashion, shaped by more than a decade as a university professor, make him an ideal workshop leader, guest speaker, and panelist.”

Scott Myers, Assistant Professor, Screenwriting, DePaul University;  Author of "The Protagonist's Journey (Palgrave)."

"Anyone who gets the opportunity to hear Dana Coen speak will benefit from a very deep well of knowledge and experience in writing and teaching dramatic writing for stage and screen.  They'll also appreciate  his easy-going manner and sense of humor."

Paul Chitlik, Author of "Rewrite," a Step-by-Step Guide to Strengthen Structure, Characters and Drama in Your Screenplay"

“Dana Coen has the unique gift of being not only a highly respected screen and playwright but, a brilliant teacher.  Dana brings a special set of skills, having been on both sides of the aisle as not only a writer but as a highly successful producer.  Add to this his background as an actor and you have a rare and fascinating package.”

David Sontag, Screenwriter/Producer, Professor Emeritus, UNC-Chapel Hill

“As a former student, recommending Dana Coen is easy.  He opened our minds to be the best version of ourselves. He brings to the table the rigor and processes that creative individuals need to strive and do their best work, all while keeping things fun, light, and simultaneously fascinating. The screenwriting practices he instills in his students have led to fruitful careers in all manner of filmmaking, and contest wins and placements for many of those whose work he has touched.”

Jordan Imbrey, Writer/Director/Producer

"At the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, I was fortunate enough to take many (if not all) of the Writing for the Screen and Stage courses that Dana offered. Coming from a background in prose-writing and worried about losing my voice to a new pre-adapted medium, I was relieved to discover that Dana was able to teach the courses in a way that explained the technical aspects of screenwriting and playwriting without stifling the creative elements of it. I think it takes great skill and experience to not only teach The How, but to do so and also leave room for individual and inspired growth along the way. I still have mantras from Dana that I repeat to this day while writing a script, and I don’t think those will ever leave me!"

Laura Stoltz, Assistant to Peyton Reed, Co-Producer, Dust Bunny

 “As the longtime director for the Writing for the Screen and Stage Program at the University of North Carolina, Dana Coen has worked with hundreds of students over the years to hone their craft, find their voice and develop their talent. Many of the graduates of this program have gone on to make their mark in the entertainment industry. In his teaching, Dana draws from his extensive television and theater experience, leading by example.” 

Terry Ellen Rhodes, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“Working with Dana Coen was a highlight of Carolina Public Humanities’ recent activities. Dana was the creator of our annual “Oscars Preview” event, working with us to design a popular public program that was accessible, informative, and entertaining. Drawing on his long career in film, television, and teaching, he has a unique perspective on the aesthetic and business decisions that influence what we watch—and what we don’t. Dana is an expert in the field, and a brilliant communicator. He knows his stuff and his love for the cinematic arts is contagious!”

Maximilian Owre, PhD, Executive Director, Carolina Public Humanities 

“Professor Dana Coen is an experienced teacher, television scriptwriter, playwright, and former stage actor and director. In 2008, when he was appointed director of the Writing for the Screen and Stage Program at UNC-Chapel Hill, he brought his remarkable and extraordinary combination of professional success and committed teaching to students in the College of Arts and Sciences. As chair of the Department of Communication where the WSS program is housed, I witnessed Dana’s innovative leadership and compassionate mentorship.  Under his leadership the program grew to include several experiential teaching and learning components, including the development of the annual Long Story Shorts performance and the annual Oscars Preview event at the Varsity Theater.  Those activities provided students with opportunities for hands on experience as playwrights, production assistants, and stage and screenwriting critics. They are also well-attended community-facing events that supported the Department's mission for supporting critical and creative communication arts engagement for the public good.”

Patricia Parker, Director Institute for the Arts and Humanities, UNC-Chapel Hill

"They say that 'those who can't, teach'. Not with Dana. Dana's experience as an actor, writer, and producer means he brings a rare quality of being both a top-quality scribe and a great instructor." 

David Gittins, Executive Director, AIM