As a person who started writing for pleasure back in elementary school, I can confirm that while the actual act of writing is a solitary one, the only way to improve your writing is to share it.

Which is why it’s always a thrill that every year, the Lighthouse Writers Workshop hosts Lit Fest — a chance for aspiring authors and literary lovers to learn from some of the best contemporary authors.

This year’s event runs June 1 through 15, and includes workshops, parties, seminars, salons, agent consultations, and more in a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry and screenwriting. There will also be courses for young writers, from third grade to senior year in high school.

Some of the notable authors hosting workshops include Leslie Jamison, author of “The Empathy Exams,” Jenny Offill, author of “Dept. of Speculation,” and Alexandre O. Philippe, screenwriter and director of “78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene” and “Doc of the Dead.”

People interested in participating can select classes and events à la carte, or a festival pass for the full experience. Tickets go on sale the first week of April.

For those looking to do in-depth work on their own writing, there is a chance to participate in Lit Fest Master Workshops from the visiting authors. Master Workshops are limited to 10 participants.

Each weeklong workshop meets five times, from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Monday through Friday, and includes a one-on-one meeting with the instructor. The weekend workshops meet twice, Saturday and Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., each day.

Any aspiring writers interested in participating in these workshops has until March 15 to apply.

For all the information on applying, events, and more, visit www.lighthousewriters.org/events/lit-fest.

Sharing PostSecrets

Have you ever had a secret that you really wanted to share, but don’t want to risk it getting out or hurting someone? Yeah, me too.

For years, the PostSecret blog was a way for people to anonymously share some of their darkest secrets and innermost thoughts in a creative way.

The idea caught on and grew to six books and a Smithsonian exhibition. And now, its theatrical expression arrives in Lone Tree.

“PostSecret: The Show,” arrives at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St.

At times hopeful, shocking, and painful, the show is an immersive journey through the personal stories people keep to themselves.

Projected images, videos, three actors, and a guitarist guide the audience through the stories behind shared secrets. It’s a very interactive theatrical experience for anyone looking to examine their own hidden feelings.

For tickets, visit www.lonetreeartscenter.org/postsecret.

A petit ballet world premiere

Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s moving children’s book “Le Petit Prince,” has been enchanting readers since it was published in 1943, and recently was translated into film on Netflix.

Now, Danse Etoile is celebrating the world premiere of a ballet version of “Le Petit Prince,” running Friday, Feb. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 11. There is a 7:30 p.m. performance on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, at the Broomfield Auditorium, 352 Main St.

Music includes classical and contemporary styles with scores by Les Choristes and original compositions for the ballet by Colorado composer Bruce Klepper. The show makes use of choreography, costumes, and artistic projection to tell this classic story.

To purchase your tickets, visit www.danseetoile.org/new-events.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week - Black Star at The Ogden

Sometimes when a group releases a perfect album, there’s nothing left to do but go their separate ways.

That’s certainly the case for rappers Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and Talib Kweli, who released “Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star” in 1998. Thought it didn’t take the charts by storm, the pair’s lyrical pyrotechnics and skeletal beats went on to influence countless underground rappers in the 2000s.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the album, both rappers, who have gone on to have fruitful solo careers, are reuniting and Black Star will be playing the Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Anyone who loves rap, and wants to celebrate two of the most dynamic MCs in the genre, shouldn’t miss this concert. Go to www.ogdentheatre.com and score a ticket before it’s too late.

Benchmark starts first season in new home

Starting a new theater company is a daunting process, but in its sophomore season, The Benchmark Theatre Company is looking to get off the ground in a big way.

The first Benchmark Theatre production in its new home in Lakewood is the regional premiere of Daniel Pearle’s “A Kid Like Jake.” The show opens on Friday, Feb. 16 and runs through Saturday, March 24. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. at the company’s new home, 1560 Teller St.

Directed by Warren Sherrill, the show tells the story of Alex and Greg Wheeler, whose 4-year-old son, Jake, happens to prefer Cinderella to GI Joe. As Alex and Greg navigate their roles as parents, a rift grows, one that forces them to confront concerns about what’s best for Jake, and each other.

The cast features Antonio Amadeo, Adrian Egolf, Martha Harmon Pardee and Madison McKenzie Scott.

Visit www.benchmarktheatre.com to purchase tickets.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. A community editor with Colorado Community Media, he can be reached creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com.