Hugo House

An amazing communal space for writing. There is always a variety of classes for all interests, professional and thoughtful instructors, and more. It's the best place to go to sharpen your writing skills.

So friendly and welcoming, I felt so welcome to the first open mic event I went to. Cozy vibes at the book bar nights too. The scholarship options for their classes are amazing too!

love this place! really enjoying the year long programming and open mic!

I have taken a handful of writing classes here. I would say that Hugo House classes, even those open to beginners, tend to attract people who are already pretty talented writers out of the gate, sometimes who are either published or about to attend a prestigious graduate school. This is precisely why I don’t find any of their classes beginner friendly and frankly, at times, intimidating and discouraging for people who are true beginners at writing. I probably won’t be taking any more classes there for that reason.

This is a lovely place to write and engage with other writers to develop your craft. The classes are pretty awesome and so diverse. There’s a lot of ways to enage and participate which makes finding yourself in the literary space a lot more easy, or at least more interesting. The space itself is great with modern and updated touches that belie its humble roots. I look forward to more interactions with Hugo House.

I have taken a few classes at Hugo House and I will not be doing so in the future. The lack of respect the organization has for the instructors that they employ is frankly shocking. They didn’t pay one of my instructors for months, and blamed the instructor when they asked for Hugo House to sort the payment issue out. Based on conversations with other people who have worked with Hugo House in the past, this was not an isolated incident, but a pattern that has happened particularly with their BIPOC instructors.

For writers in Seattle and surrounding regions, Hugo House is a center of literary activities. They offer an enormous amount of classes and an open mic on the first and third Monday of every month (Works in Progress). If you love to write, then this is the place to go.

The experience of sharing poems from a podium, amid a tight-knit circle of like-minded folks was unforgettable. When one spoke her truth, everyone would snap fingers in validation or laugh with the author. The community is devoted to the craft of writing, and rund almost entirely on donations to host events that the public loves.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.