New Works from the Northridge Playwrights Workshop will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday Dec. 10 at Raven Playhouse, at 5233 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood.

The evenings will feature students reading or acting theatrical pieces they have written, said Rick Mitchell, assistant professor of English.

"Our student works show that our class is very culturally diverse," Mitchell said. "The diversity among our students shows in the unique writing that comes out. Los Angeles is homogenous when it comes to film and television. This will be a unique event."

Students in the creative writing option of the English department typically are given creative freedom in their writing.

"The writing from our students is open to whatever they want to write," he said. "This evening will be an alternative to Hollywood, in terms of what people see on television or in the movies. The students are encouraged to experiment with their writing. Sometimes screenwriting can be formulaic. I want my students to work against that," Mitchell said.

Admission to the event is free. Seating is limited. To reserve tickets, e-mail urbanensemblepr@yahoo.com with your name, the number of people in your party, and phone number.