Structuring Your Story: Advanced Playwriting Techniques

Course Description

This captivating course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced playwriting techniques, focusing on transforming creative ideas into compelling, well-structured story arcs with impactful plot points.

What Students Will Learn

• Specialized knowledge of playwriting histories, forms, and traditions
• Advanced understanding of cultural contexts in innovative performance practices
• Contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of performance
• Awareness of market and distribution demands in entertainment industries
• Applications of performance in educational, community, and social contexts
• Advanced dramaturgical and script-editing skills
• Self-management skills for working in planned and improvisatory ways
• Ability to adapt to change, ambiguity, and creative risk-taking

Pre-requisites

While there are no strict prerequisites, it is recommended that students take this course after studying "Finding your voice as a playwright: scenes, themes and character." A basic understanding of playwriting fundamentals would be beneficial.

Course Content

• Turning ideas into well-structured story arcs with resonant plot points
• Writing dialogue with subtext and developing a distinctive creative voice
• Exploring form and relating theme to style
• Structuring play-texts for maximum dramatic impact
• Utilizing stage direction, music, and set design to develop metaphoric worlds
• Comparative analysis of advice from famous script-editors and dramaturgs
• Study of influential playwrights and theatre forms
• Exploring the relationship between theory and creative practice
• Investigating commonalities in theatre-making across cultural communities
• Techniques for pacing stories effectively and engaging audiences

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for aspiring playwrights, theatre professionals, creative writers, and anyone interested in advanced storytelling techniques for performance. It's also suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their communication and creative skills for professional development outside the arts.

Real-World Applications

• Enhanced storytelling abilities for marketing, advertising, and public speaking
• Improved communication skills for business presentations and negotiations
• Developed creative problem-solving techniques applicable to various industries
• Heightened cultural awareness and global perspective for international business
• Strengthened ability to engage and captivate audiences in any setting
• Improved project structuring and planning skills
• Enhanced adaptability and flexible thinking for diverse work environments

Syllabus Overview

• Writing exercises throughout the module
• Maintaining a creativity journal to track idea progression and intuition
• Completing a plan for the structure of a new play
• Experimenting with different dialogue writing techniques
• Sharing work in discussion forums with peers
• Exploring various theatrical traditions and theories
• Analyzing works of influential playwrights and theatre practitioners
• Investigating the relationship between theory and practice in playwriting