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.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This online taster course introduces you to some of the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage: dialogue, character, and structure. This is a hands-on course and the emphasis is on practical and critical exercises. You will have a chance to read and respond to published work, and use it as a source of inspiration as you begin to produce your own dramatic writing, through in-class exercises and assignments.
Students like: the enthusiasm and focus on the subject; the exercises that bridged the gap between theory and practice; it's made me push myself and try new things; the tutor was inspiring and the group felt supportive.
What will we cover?
- The essential skills needed for dramatic writing - Designing characters, telling a story in a way that works for the stage, and turning your raw ideas into a structured whole - Theatrical writing techniques including dialogue and subtext.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity. - Demonstrate increased familiarity with a range of techniques required for dramatic writing - Feel confident as you embark upon your own work - Give and use constructive criticism.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is designed to introduce students to writing for the stage, and no previous playwriting experience is necessary.
If you have prior or current experience working in theatre but have never written a play or taken a playwriting course, we recommend that try this taster or that you enrol on Ways into playwriting before progressing to the intermediate or advanced level.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You'll be expected to produce some written work in class, and to read extracts from plays. After the taster, you are also strongly enouraged to watch a performance of a contemporary play!
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All primary course materials will be provided. You will also be directed to supplementary resources. Please bring writing materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
If you would like to continue building your confidence you are welcome to renrol on our longer introductory course, 'Ways into playwriting', though we recommend you do so with a different tutor so as to experience a new approach.
All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.
Henry Martin is author of Agnes Martin: Pioneer, Painter, Icon (Benjamin Franklin Award), Yappo (Tipperary Artist Award), and contributor to Great Women Artists (Phaidon). His plays have been performed at Theatre 503, Underbelly, Roundhouse, Project Arts Centre, Belltable, Latitude, Bunker Theatre and Lime Tree Theatre, and his screenplays have been longlisted for the Red Planet Prize and BBC Tony Doyle Award. Henry has lectured at Camberwell College of Arts, University of Edinburgh, UCA Farnham, and the National College of Art and Design, Ireland. He has also worked in book publishing as an editor and rights manager since 2010, and he has written for many publications including The Irish Times, Hyperallergic, and The Journal of Illustration.
Dawn KingSee moreSee less
Dawn is an award-winning writer working in theatre, film, TV, radio and other forms. Her new play ADDICTIVE BEAT, produced by Boundless, runs at Dilston Gallery, Southwark, 21st Sept to 7th October. Recently her play THE TRIALS had a sold out run at Donmar Warehouse. It was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Dawn is currently working on a radical reinterpretation of THE CHERRY ORCHARD from the perspective of the trees, for director Katie Mitchell at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg. She is also working on the feature film PIG CHILD for Delaval Film and the BFI and adapting her play FOXFINDER for the screen with Elation Pictures and the BFI.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ways-into-playwriting-getting-started310667Ways into playwriting: getting startedhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_playwriting-square_1.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Writing for stage and screen/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Writing/Creative writing taster courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Writing/'Ways into' courses/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/Writing/Playwriting courses22851591133961354513581136051361413732122851358113605117712051653Explore 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.002549053Ways into playwriting: getting started7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_playwriting-square_1_5.jpgInStockDaytimeSunOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-03-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceMar 2026WritingHW5187979Ways into playwriting: getting started794079Henry Martinways-into-playwriting-getting-started/hw518-2526Explore 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.0000-Available|2026-03-29 00:00:00This online taster course introduces you to some of the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage: dialogue, character, and structure. This is a hands-on course and the emphasis is on practical and critical exercises. You will have a chance to read and respond to published work, and use it as a source of inspiration as you begin to produce your own dramatic writing, through in-class exercises and assignments.<br/><br/><b>Students like: </b>the enthusiasm and focus on the subject; the exercises that bridged the gap between theory and practice; it's made me push myself and try new things; the tutor was inspiring and the group felt supportive.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.- The essential skills needed for dramatic writing<br/>- Designing characters, telling a story in a way that works for the stage, and turning your raw ideas into a structured whole<br/>- Theatrical writing techniques including dialogue and subtext.- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity.<br/>- Demonstrate increased familiarity with a range of techniques required for dramatic writing<br/>- Feel confident as you embark upon your own work<br/>- Give and use constructive criticism.This course is designed to introduce students to writing for the stage, and no previous playwriting experience is necessary.<br/><br/>If you have prior or current experience working in theatre but have never written a play or taken a playwriting course, we recommend that try this taster or that you enrol on Ways into playwriting before progressing to the intermediate or advanced level.You'll be expected to produce some written work in class, and to read extracts from plays. After the taster, you are also strongly enouraged to watch a performance of a contemporary play! <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.All primary course materials will be provided. You will also be directed to supplementary resources. Please bring writing materials.If you would like to continue building your confidence you are welcome to renrol on our longer introductory course, 'Ways into playwriting', though we recommend you do so with a different tutor so as to experience a new approach. <br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual2793648Ways into playwriting: getting started7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_playwriting-square_1_6.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJul 2026WritingHW2377979Ways into playwriting: getting started794079Dawn Kingways-into-playwriting-getting-started/hw237-2526Explore 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.0000-Available|2026-07-18 00:00:00<p>This taster course introduces you to some of the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage: dialogue, character and structure. This is a hands-on course and the emphasis is on practical and critical exercises. You will have a chance to read and respond to published work, and use it as a source of inspiration as you begin to produce your own dramatic writing, through in-class exercises and assignments.<br/><br/><strong>Students like: </strong><em>the enthusiasm and focus on the subject; the exercises that bridged the gap between theory and practice; it's made me push myself and try new things; the tutor was inspiring and the group felt supportive.</em></p>Explore 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.- The essential skills needed for dramatic writing<br/>- Designing characters, telling a story in a way that works for the stage, and turning your raw ideas into a structured whole<br/>- Theatrical writing techniques including dialogue and subtext.- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity.<br/>- Demonstrate increased familiarity with a range of techniques required for dramatic writing<br/>- Feel confident as you embark upon your own work<br/>- Give and use constructive criticism.<p>This course is designed to introduce students to writing for the stage, therefore no previous playwriting experience is necessary.<br/><br/>If you have prior or current experience working in theatre but have never written a play or taken a playwriting course, we recommend that you try this taster or enrol on Ways into playwriting before progressing to the intermediate or advanced level.</p><p>You'll be expected to produce some written work in class, and to read extracts from plays. After the taster, you are also strongly encouraged to watch the occasional performance of a contemporary play!</p> <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.All primary course materials will be provided. You will also be directed to supplementary resources. Please bring writing materials.<p>If you would like to continue building your confidence you are welcome to enrol on our longer introductory course, Ways into playwriting, though we recommend you do so with a different tutor to experience a new approach.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.</p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual797940HW518,HW237NONESun,Sat29/03/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendOnlineOnlineHenry Martin,Dawn KingBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-03-29T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00Mar 2026,Jul 2026Writing7979Ways into playwriting: getting startedways-into-playwriting-getting-started/hw518-2526,ways-into-playwriting-getting-started/hw237-2526Explore 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.,Explore 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.0000-Available|2026-03-29 00:00:00This online taster course introduces you to some of the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage: dialogue, character, and structure. This is a hands-on course and the emphasis is on practical and critical exercises. You will have a chance to read and respond to published work, and use it as a source of inspiration as you begin to produce your own dramatic writing, through in-class exercises and assignments.<br/><br/><b>Students like: </b>the enthusiasm and focus on the subject; the exercises that bridged the gap between theory and practice; it's made me push myself and try new things; the tutor was inspiring and the group felt supportive.,<p>This taster course introduces you to some of the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage: dialogue, character and structure. This is a hands-on course and the emphasis is on practical and critical exercises. You will have a chance to read and respond to published work, and use it as a source of inspiration as you begin to produce your own dramatic writing, through in-class exercises and assignments.<br/><br/><strong>Students like: </strong><em>the enthusiasm and focus on the subject; the exercises that bridged the gap between theory and practice; it's made me push myself and try new things; the tutor was inspiring and the group felt supportive.</em></p>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.,Explore 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.- The essential skills needed for dramatic writing<br/>- Designing characters, telling a story in a way that works for the stage, and turning your raw ideas into a structured whole<br/>- Theatrical writing techniques including dialogue and subtext.- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity.<br/>- Demonstrate increased familiarity with a range of techniques required for dramatic writing<br/>- Feel confident as you embark upon your own work<br/>- Give and use constructive criticism.This course is designed to introduce students to writing for the stage, and no previous playwriting experience is necessary.<br/><br/>If you have prior or current experience working in theatre but have never written a play or taken a playwriting course, we recommend that try this taster or that you enrol on Ways into playwriting before progressing to the intermediate or advanced level.,<p>This course is designed to introduce students to writing for the stage, therefore no previous playwriting experience is necessary.<br/><br/>If you have prior or current experience working in theatre but have never written a play or taken a playwriting course, we recommend that you try this taster or enrol on Ways into playwriting before progressing to the intermediate or advanced level.</p>You'll be expected to produce some written work in class, and to read extracts from plays. After the taster, you are also strongly enouraged to watch a performance of a contemporary play! <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.,<p>You'll be expected to produce some written work in class, and to read extracts from plays. After the taster, you are also strongly encouraged to watch the occasional performance of a contemporary play!</p> <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.All primary course materials will be provided. You will also be directed to supplementary resources. Please bring writing materials.If you would like to continue building your confidence you are welcome to renrol on our longer introductory course, 'Ways into playwriting', though we recommend you do so with a different tutor so as to experience a new approach. <br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.,<p>If you would like to continue building your confidence you are welcome to enrol on our longer introductory course, Ways into playwriting, though we recommend you do so with a different tutor to experience a new approach.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.</p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenconfigurable
159113605Writing for stage and screenhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/writing-for-stage-and-screen/writing-for-stage-and-screen-11/2/285/13581/13605/1591/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Writing for stage and screen
