An Introduction to Playwriting
In this intro course, you'll generate ideas for a play and get to know genre, drama structure, exposition, dialogue, and drafting.
Duration
4 weeks
Weekly study
4 hours
100% online
How it works
Unlimited subscription
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Established
1451
Location
Glasgow, Scotland, UK
World ranking
Source: QS World University Rankings 2020
This course will provide an accessible and illuminating introduction to key playwriting skills. The course is taught by a leading professional playwright and presented in association with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland; the only arts organisation in the UK exclusively dedicated to the artistic development of writers for live performance. The course will provide an ideal pathway towards further study, including the Playwriting and Dramaturgy MLitt offered by University of Glasgow.
Week 1
Introduction, Elements of the Craft
Introduction
Welcome to the course
What is a Play?
In this section we will look at the key ingredients that make up a play.
Elements of Craft
In this section we examine some of the key elements of the craft of playwriting.
Week 1 Wrap-up
A summary of what we covered in this week of the course, and an opportunity for you to reflect and feedback on what was most useful for your writing.
Week 2
Elements of the Craft continued, Theatricality
Introduction
This week we'll be continuing our exploration of key elements of the craft of playwriting as well as looking at the important idea of theatricality.
Elements of Craft
We continue our examination of the key elements of the craft of playwriting.
Theatricality
In this section we look at the fascinating and important concept of theatricality.
Week 2 Wrap-up
A summary of what we covered in this week of the course, and an opportunity for you to reflect and feedback on what was most useful for your writing.
Week 3
Getting Started, Keeping Going and Letting Go
Introduction
Dr Graham Eatough introduces week 3 of the course.
Getting Started
In this section of the course we will look at the challenges of starting writing, finding inspiration and deciding on an idea.
Keeping Going
In this section we will look at strategies to persevere when writing isn't flowing.
Letting Go
In this section we will consider how to know when you're play is 'finished' and what some of the next steps might be in sharing your work with others.
Week 3 Wrap-up
A summary of what we covered in this week of the course, and an opportunity for you to reflect and feedback on what was most useful for your writing.
Week 4
Getting your work 'out there'
Introduction
Dr Graham Eatough introduces the final week of the course.
Types of Theatre
In this section we will consider the different venues that might suit your work, and building connections with local theatres.
Developing Your Work
In this section we will look at how to promote your work and attract interest in having it performed.
Commissioning
In this section we will look at the challenges of developing an income from playwriting, and some specific approaches to consider.
Week 4 Wrap-up
A summary of what we covered throughout the course, and an opportunity for you to reflect and feedback on what was most useful for your writing.
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