Screenwriting & Playwriting Courses Online & in London
Behind every masterpiece, lies a captivating script. Delve into the magical world of screenwriting and playwriting, and learn the vital elements required to create an effective screenplay and script. Develop your writing skills, analyse scripts, and discover what it takes to reach a professional level.
Plus, you’ll get to grips with the fundamental writing principles, and master the technique of bringing your idea and script to life. You’ll explore everything from developing onstage characters to constructing storylines, too.
Above all, screenwriting and playwriting is a creative process. At City Lit we help you through every step of the way, from dealing with writer’s block to pushing you to your creative limits. Not only that, but you’ll also be working and engaging with like-minded individuals, who are all in the process of honing their craft.
Our writing students frequently go on to further study or publication. Read their success stories.
You'll learn from experience tutors that are all published authors and experts in their field. Learn about their recent accomplishments.
Discover the key elements of dramatic writing for television, cinema and the stage. Explore character and conflict, story and structure, and receive feedback on your work as you progress from first idea to finished script. All our writing courses are taught by practicing writers.
City Lit's writing students frequently go on to further study or publication. Read their success stories.
Our tutors are published authors and experts in their field. Learn about their recent accomplishments.
For the latest news, courses, events and competitions, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.
Many of our courses are delivered online. For more information about our live online courses, please see our guide to online learning.
- Ways into playwriting: a tasterCourse start date: Sat 15 Jul 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Dawn KingExplore the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage in this introductory short course. Get to grips with dialogue, character, story and structure, and start work on your own play.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Jump start your playCourse start date: Sat 5 Aug 2023 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Brian MullinHave you got a script idea but not yet put pen to paper, or a script you started but never finished? This intensive short course will help you inject new energy into your idea – and get started writing. Only suitable for those with playwriting experience.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Writing political comedyCourse start date: Sat 21 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kate SmurthwaiteWhen it comes to subjects for comedy, the news media never seems to run out. Learn to write political comedy from pithy one liners to satirical columns and monologues using techniques from professional comedy script writers.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £35.00 - Comedy sketch writingCourse start date: Sat 18 Nov 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kate SmurthwaiteDiscover the art of creating a great comedy sketch. Study the brilliance of classic sketches and learn how to deploy their techniques in your own work.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Ways into screenwriting: getting startedCourse start date: Sat 6 Jan 2024 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Clive FordWant to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Writing a romantic comedyCourse start date: Sat 10 Feb 2024
Location on this date: Online
Learn the conventions of the romantic comedy genre and how to write a script that combines love and laughter to great effect. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £35.00 - Joke writingCourse start date: Sat 9 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kate SmurthwaiteUncover the workings of the classic one-liner, practise joke writing and find out what makes a good joke. Learn how to refine and develop your own writing skills for stand up, comedy writing and pleasure.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £35.00 - Write your screenplay: from idea to first draftCourse start date: Sat 23 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Clive FordA good screenplay starts with a good story but it also needs structure, good characters and interesting twists. This is a course for writers who have an idea they think is ready to go. We’ll look at the best ways to grab the viewers’ attention from the off, and at the end of the course you’ll get a chance to pitch your ideas.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £35.00 - Ways into playwriting: getting startedCourse start date: Sat 6 Apr 2024 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nicole AcquahExplore the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage in this introductory online course. Get to grips with dialogue, character, story and structure, and start work on your own play.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00
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