Theater is the oldest form of dramatic storytelling, and many still consider it the most electrifying. Nothing beats the intensity of actors sharing the same air as the audience. The laughs and gasps and tears happen live, on the spot. And a play can be staged anywhere, from an empty space surrounded by folding chairs to a plush Broadway house.
A play will not soar in performance unless it’s great on the page. In our courses, you will learn how to tell a story that is theatrical and produce-able as well as such playwriting craft elements as structure, plot, dialogue, setting, theme, scene development, and format. You will also learn how and where to market your work.
Whether you seek to write one-acts or full-lengths, traditional or experimental, we’ll show you how to write plays that will enthrall audiences.
Using a balance of lecture, exercise, and feedback on work from the instructor and classmates, this course gives students a firm grounding in all the basics of playwriting. Everything is presented in a clear, accessible manner.
Write one/two short plays or begin a full-length play
Lectures on basics of playwriting craft
Writing exercises
Present work for critique (two times)
Playwriting I is for beginners or anyone who wants to brush up on the fundamentals.
(3.0 CEU)
New York City Classes
Tuition:
$395, Returning Students $365 .
Registration Fee $25.
Each class strictly limited to 14 students, ages 18 and up.
Focusing on developing projects and receiving feedback from the instructor and classmates, this course helps students sharpen their skills and work toward completion of a produce-able play. Writers often repeat Playwriting II to continue their projects.
Write one/two short plays or begin or refine a full-length play
Lectures that expand on basics of playwriting craft
Writing Exercises
Present work for in-depth critique (two times)
Prerequisite: Playwriting I or the equivalent. Which level is right for you? How
to Choose a Level
New York City Classes
Tuition:
$395, Returning Students $365 .
Registration Fee $25.
Each class strictly limited to students, ages 18 and up.
Not offered this term
Playwriting | One-Day in
NYC
The One-Day Workshops are fun, fast-paced immersions in a type of writing. You’ll get a mixture of brief lectures that hit the high-points and writing exercises that let you immediately try your hand at what you’ve just learned. The one-days provide an excellent overview of their fields, ideal for both the beginner and someone wanting a quick refresher course. Come in one day on the weekend with a notepad, pen, and desire to learn. By Monday, you’ll be a more knowledgeable and skilled writer.
One-Days are for beginners or anyone who wants to brush up on the fundamentals.
Topics include: structure, plot, character, dialogue, scene development, and getting produced
New York City Classes
Tuition:
$125.
Registration Fee $25.
Each class strictly limited to 25 students, ages 18 and up.
