Digital Performance Writing

University of Cambridge MicroMaster's Program

Course Description

Explore the innovative world of digital performance writing with the University of Cambridge's cutting-edge course, part of their MicroMaster's program in Writing for Performance and Entertainment Industries. This intermediate-level course delves into the exciting realm of online digital platforms, equipping you with the skills to create compelling content across various digital mediums. From interactive gameplay scripts for video games to immersive soundscapes for radio dramas and podcast plays, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to writing and innovating digital content.

What Students Will Learn

  • Specialized knowledge of digital performance writing history, forms, and traditions
  • Understanding of cultural contexts and innovative practices in digital performance
  • Mastery of key performance components, including ideational sources, body, space, image, sound, text, movement, and environment
  • Advanced dramaturgical and script-editing skills for digital and radio scripts
  • Techniques for creating effective structure and characters in online narratives
  • Self-management skills for working in planned and improvisatory ways
  • Ability to adapt to change, ambiguity, and creative risk-taking in digital storytelling
  • Effective communication strategies for online audiences

Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required for this course. However, a basic understanding of writing and storytelling concepts would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

  • Digital performance writing fundamentals
  • Interactive gameplay script writing for video games
  • Radio drama and podcast play creation
  • YouTube channel content development
  • Narrative skill integration with digital production
  • Online audience targeting and engagement
  • Creative journaling techniques
  • Scriptwriting for various digital mediums
  • Digital storytelling best practices
  • Online platform writing strategies

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for aspiring writers, content creators, game developers, podcasters, and professionals seeking to enhance their digital storytelling skills. It's perfect for those looking to explore new creative avenues in the digital realm and expand their writing repertoire.

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are highly transferable and essential in today's diversifying global job market. Learners can apply their knowledge to:

  • Develop interactive narratives for video games
  • Create engaging podcast series and radio dramas
  • Produce compelling content for YouTube channels and other social media platforms
  • Write immersive digital experiences for various industries
  • Enhance marketing and communication strategies through effective online storytelling
  • Collaborate with digital production teams in various entertainment sectors
  • Innovate new forms of digital content for emerging platforms
  • Improve audience engagement and reach in digital spaces

Syllabus Overview

  1. Introduction to digital performance writing
  2. Exploring various digital mediums (video games, radio, podcasts, YouTube)
  3. Narrative skill development for digital platforms
  4. Interactive gameplay script writing
  5. Soundscape creation for radio drama and podcasts
  6. YouTube content strategy and scripting
  7. Online audience analysis and targeting
  8. Digital production integration with storytelling
  9. Creative journaling and idea development
  10. Script structure and character creation for online narratives
  11. Editing and refining digital scripts
  12. Final project: Creating multiple pieces of script in chosen digital mediums

By the end of this course, students will have gained valuable skills in digital performance writing, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of online content creation and entertainment industries.