Playwriting: an introduction

Learn and apply the basic elements of writing for the stage. Character, dialogue, story, ideas and dramatic structure will be covered. A chance to develop your own writing voice.

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Key course information

Dates
12/01/12 - 22/03/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
11 weeks

Time
19:45 - 21:45

Fees
Full fee: £124
Senior fee: £124

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW100

Availability
This date is full

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

Learning how to write in dramatic form which is the key requirement for playwriting.

What topics will we cover?

The basic building blocks of playwriting: characterisation, dialogue, theme, storytelling, plot, what makes drama,
subtext, the writers voice, language and style.
The construction of scenes.

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

Put into practice the specific elements of dramatic writing.
Demonstrate improvement in your own dramatic writing.
Analyse critically dramatic texts by studying published play texts.
Write your own texts with increased confidence.
Critique and assess your own and other writers’ work with appreciation and understanding.
Define what dramatic writing you like.
Decide whether you want to continue to write drama.

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

- this is an introductory course with no previous experience necessary, though you may have attended an introduction to creative writing course previously (e.g. Ways into Creative Writing)
- a fluency in spoken and written English is essential; an active interest in theatre and new writing for the stage are expected.

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

Tutor will introduce the different building blocks.
You will read and discuss extracts from published play texts.
There will be exercises in writing techniques.
You will read, listen and respond to your own and fellow students’ work.
Some writing in classes and outside the course is expected.

Tutor Biography
Paul Jenkins is a professional playwright and TV writer. Recent theatre work includes First Person Shooter for the Birmingham Rep and Island Hopping for the Belarus Free Theatre at the Almeida. His new play Fear of Drowning is being developed on attachment with National Theatre Studio. Paul was artist-in-residence at Sofia University 2010-2011 writing, performing and tutoring with the university drama department. His plays are published by Nick Hern Books.

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?

Bring paper and pens. And ideas for plays, if you have them.

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. Regular Feedback from tutor and fellow students.
Regular chances to self-assess as the course progresses.

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?

The Humanities department run a one-year playwriting course as well as a one-term stage 2 course for writers who have a first draft of a play.

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.