UniversityofCambridge: Finding your voice as a playwright

by University of Cambridge

Playwriting Course

University of Cambridge Micro Master's Program

Course Description

Welcome to the exciting world of playwriting! This course, part of the University of Cambridge's Micro Master's program in Writing for Performance and Entertainment Industries, is designed to help you discover and develop your unique dramatic voice. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer looking for fresh inspiration, this comprehensive introduction to theatre writing will equip you with essential skills and knowledge to create compelling stage performances.

What Students Will Learn

How to find and develop your distinctive dramatic voice
Techniques for choosing themes that resonate with audiences
Creating powerful and memorable characters
Structuring scenes to drive dramatic action
Strategies for maintaining creative flow under time pressure
Connecting with new writing theatres and getting your work read
Understanding play-texts, production, and audience reception
Enhancing communication skills applicable to various professional spheres
Developing dramaturgical and script-editing skills
Improving self-management and project management abilities

Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required for this course. However, a passion for writing and theatre, along with basic writing skills, would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

Finding your distinctive dramatic voice
Theme selection and audience resonance
Character development and creation
Scene structure and dramatic action
Creative flow and time management
Networking with theatres and industry professionals
Comparative analysis of play-texts and productions
Audience reception and contribution to the creative process
Dialogue writing for theatre
Effective communication with audiences
Creativity journaling and idea progression
Scene writing and editing
Lead character creation for stage writing

Who This Course Is For

Aspiring playwrights looking to start their journey in theatre writing
Experienced writers seeking to refresh their skills and gain new perspectives
Theatre enthusiasts interested in understanding the craft of playwriting
Communication professionals aiming to enhance their storytelling abilities
Anyone interested in developing transferable skills in creativity and communication

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are highly transferable and valuable in various professional settings:

Theatre and entertainment industry
Business communication
Marketing and advertising
Education
Community and social work
Project management
Creative writing

Syllabus Overview

Introduction to playwriting and finding your voice
Theme selection and audience engagement
Character development and creation
Scene structure and dramatic action
Creative flow and time management techniques
Industry connections and networking
Play-text and production analysis
Audience reception and participation
Dialogue writing for theatre
Effective communication strategies
Creativity journaling and idea development
Scene writing workshops and editing sessions
Lead character creation exercise
Final project: Developing a play or series of scenes

By the end of this course, you'll have completed several new scenes of a play, created a lead character, and gained valuable insights into the world of theatre writing. Join us to unlock your creative potential and develop essential skills for success in the ever-evolving global job market!

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