Playwriting: stage 1

The basics of writing drama through scenes written in class: dialogue, character, structure, story and performance.

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Key course information

Dates
06/10/11 - 15/12/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
11 weeks

Time
10:00 - 13:00

Fees
Full fee: £178
Senior fee: £100
Concession: £48

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW027

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

To offer a comprehensive playwriting course covering all aspects of the elements needed to complete the first draft of a play. The emphasis is on practical and critical exercises.

What topics will we cover?

The course covers the basic building blocks of writing plays, i.e characterisation, dialogue, theme, storytelling and plot, what makes drama, subtext, the writers voice and style (naturalism, expressionism, surrealism).

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

- respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
- identify and analyse the various elements such as characterisation, dialogue, theme, storytelling, plot, what makes
- drama, the writers voice and style
- practise the craft of dramatic writing.

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

This is a stage 1 course - an interest in drama and a curiosity about how drama works, as well as having things you want to write about, is essential.

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

Writing workshop and discussion. You will be expected to produce some written work at home, to read plays and extracts from plays, to go to an occasional live performance of a contemporary play - all within a stimulating and supportive atmosphere.

The Tutor
Jemma Kennedy is a playwright and novelist. She has taught many writing courses and workshops for organisations such as the Arvon Foundation, and lectured in scriptwriting at Manchester Metropolitan University. She has published a novel, Skywalking (Penguin 2002), and began writing for theatre after winning a Jerwood Arvon Young Playwright’s Apprenticeship in 2005. Her work has been performed at the Royal Exchange and Soho theatres and on Radio 4, and she was recently commissioned by the National Theatre. Jemma is currently on attachment as Pearson Playwright to the National Theatre Studio.

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?

Notebook/file - your preferred form of blank paper and writing implement. Access to wordprocessing facilities is useful, though not essential. You may be asked to purchase up to two paperback play texts (under 10 each).

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.

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 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

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

On completing Playwriting Stage 1, students may move on to Playwriting Stage 2 and/or into a drama writing course dealing with a specific medium, such as drama writing for radio or TV screen.

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.