Writing for stage and screen

Screenwriting & Playwriting Courses in London & Online

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

Join us in the heart of London for in-person classes. Our modern campus in Covent Garden is easy to reach and buzzing with creativity. With modern purpose-built facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, it’s the perfect space to support your learning journey. Explore our facilities >

Prefer learning online? Our live online courses bring expert teaching to you, wherever you are.

Whether you choose to study in-person or online, all our courses are live, interactive, and taught by expert tutors. Wherever and however you want to learn, we’re here for you.

Courses available both in-person and online

We offer a range of long and short courses allowing you to choose between in-person and online learning.

Learn in the centre of London with our in-person courses. Our purpose-built facilities in Covent Garden mean we are ideally located and easy to get to. 

See our guide to online learning for more information about accessing our live online courses.

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.

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  1. Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £45.00
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  2. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  3. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  4. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  5. Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00
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  6. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  7. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  8. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  9. Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
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  10. Advanced playwriting workshop
    Course start date:  Fri 19 Sep 2025 (and 2 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Brian Mullin
    Dive deeper into the key elements of writing for the theatre, gain fresh critical insight into your own writing, and produce a new draft of your work. This workshop is for experienced playwrights with ongoing projects.
    Full fee £359.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £180.00
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  11. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  12. Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £65.00
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  13. Write your screenplay: from idea to first draft
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 28 Mar 2026

    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.
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  14. Writing for television: getting started
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 4 Apr 2026

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Jim Hill
    Do you want to write for an ongoing TV drama or pitch your own idea for a television series? Start your screenwriting journey on this practical short course. Examine the structure of an episodic TV drama, and explore approaches to the genre in a fun, supportive environment.
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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