Writing for the Stage I: Introduction to Playwriting (A)

How does dialogue shape character? Why are silences and pauses so important in drama?

How do lighting and stage directions influence an audience? What can playwrights of the past teach us about dramatic writing and how has that changed?

This module will help you to work through these questions and introduce you to the basic principles of successful playwriting, from formulating an idea to developing strong characters.

Taught in a series of practical workshops, you will be able to learn about aspects of history and genre as well as developing your own voice. No previous experience is required.

Learning and teaching

There will be two-hour meetings once a week (20 contact hours in all) which will include discussions, exercises, craft lectures and workshops.

The module will be based around workshops, which will include regular peer and tutor feedback. Sessions will include:

• British drama: history and development
• Contemporary drama: trends, styles and successes
• Creative writing skills: fundamental terminology and concepts relevant to writing plays.
• Genre
• Revision, feedback, and reflection.
• Breaking into playwriting as a profession.

Coursework and assessment

Students will submit a creative portfolio and accompanying reflective piece/critical commentary. The portfolio will be approximately 2,000 words in length.

Reading suggestions

• Students will be encouraged to read widely in a range of different plays.
• Edgar, David. How plays work. Nick Hern Books, 2012.
• Innes, Christopher. Modern British drama: the twentieth century. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
• Letwin, David. The architecture of drama: Plot, character, theme, genre and style. Scarecrow Press, 2008. 
• Luckhurst, Mary, ed. A companion to modern British and Irish drama, 1880-2005. John Wiley & Sons, 2008. [Available online via the library catalogue]

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.