Writing for radio

Learn how to write plays and situation comedy for radio. Suitable for experienced writers as well as beginners to drama writing. Professional actors will read from your work at the end of the course.

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Key course information

Dates
08/07/13 - 12/07/13

Day(s)
Mon-Fri

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £159
Senior fee: £101
Concession: £96

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW211

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course aims to develop and improve your ability to write radio plays.

What topics will we cover?

The course will cover all aspects of writing radio drama including situation comedy. It is a practical writing workshop and you will be encouraged to write a number of scenes and, maybe, a complete radio play or comedy. You will be encouraged to comment constructively on each other’s work.
Frequently writers find their 'own voice' through listening to the work of other developing writers. On the last day of the course professional actors will be invited to act out a scene or scenes, produced in the workshop, by each student.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- demonstrate a greater awareness of the writing requirements of radio drama and situation comedy
- put into practice a range of creative writing skills
- demonstrate a greater knowledge of the medium
- respond to new work critically and sensitively
- know about markets for radio plays and comedies and how to access them.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for anyone who wants to write a radio play or situation comedy. You should have an interest in radio as a dramatic medium. Students who have some previous experience of creative writing will find their knowledge particularly useful. The course is not designed for those wishing to improve grammar and punctuation or general writing skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Each day, various aspects of writing for radio will be discussed and you will be expected to do exercises arising from the discussion. You will also be given time in class to work on your play and discuss writing problems with the tutor.
You should be prepared to present your work-in-progress to the other students and to the tutor for comment and advice.

Tutor Bio
John Petherbridge has been a writer since he left film school. He has worked as a journalist, written short stories, film scripts, stage plays and radio plays. He has had several radio plays broadcast by the BBC and other radio stations. Some of his radio plays have been adaptations of novels and short stories. He teaches creative writing at the City Lit and at CRISIS.

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our
refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Writing materials.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. You will receive feedback from the tutor and the group.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 254 of the 12/13 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The Humanities department offers various playwriting courses during the term, at both an introductory and a more advanced level.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Humanities and social studies

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

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