Writing for stage and screen

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.

Courses available both in-person and online

We offer a range of long and short courses allowing you to choose between online and in-person learning. All our courses are live, interactive, and taught by expert tutors. No matter how you prefer to learn, we've got the class for you. See our guide to online learning for more information about accessing our live online courses.

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.

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  1. Full fee £69.00
    Rating:
    80% of 100
  2. Jump start your play
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 5 Aug 2023 (and 3 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Brian Mullin
    Have 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
    Rating:
    98% of 100
  3. Writing political comedy
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 21 Oct 2023

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Kate Smurthwaite
    When 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
    Rating:
    96% of 100
  4. Full fee £69.00
    Rating:
    100% of 100
  5. Ways into screenwriting: getting started
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 6 Jan 2024 (and 3 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Clive Ford
    Want 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
  6. Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £35.00
  7. Joke writing
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 9 Mar 2024

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Kate Smurthwaite
    Uncover 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
    Rating:
    100% of 100
  8. Write your screenplay: from idea to first draft
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 23 Mar 2024

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Clive Ford
    A 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
  9. Ways into playwriting: getting started
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 6 Apr 2024 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Nicole Acquah
    Explore 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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