Duration
4 weeksWeekly study
4 hours100% online
How it works
An Introduction to Playwriting
This course will provide an accessible and illuminating introduction to key playwriting skills, taught by a leading professional playwright and endorsed by the Playwrights Studio Scotland development agency. This course will provide an ideal pathway towards further study, including the Playwriting and Dramaturgy MLitt we offer.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction, Elements of the Craft
Introduction
Welcome to the course
What is a Play?
In this section we will look at the key elements that make up a play.
Elements of Craft
In this section we examine some of the key elements of the craft of playwriting.
Week 1 Wrap-up
A summary of what we covered in this week of the course, and an opportunity for you to reflect and feedback on what was most useful for your writing.
Week 2
Elements of the Craft continued, Theatricality
Introduction
This week we'll be continuing our exploration of key elements of the craft of playwriting as well as looking at the important idea of theatricality.
Elements of Craft
We continue our examination of the key elements of the craft of playwriting.
Theatricality
In this section we look at the fascinating and important concept of theatricality.
Week 2 Wrap-up
A summary of what we covered in this week of the course, and an opportunity for you to reflect and feedback on what was most useful for your writing.
Week 3
Getting Started, Keeping Going and Letting Go
Introduction
Dr Graham Eatough introduces week 3 of the course.
Getting Started
In this section of the course we will look at the challenges of starting writing, finding inspiration and deciding on an idea.
Keeping Going
In this section we will look at strategies to persevere when writing isn't flowing.
Letting Go
In this section we will consider the flip side of playwriting - how to move on once you have finished the text, and the cast and audience react to your work.
Week 3 Wrap-up
A summary of what we covered in this week of the course, and an opportunity for you to reflect and feedback on what was most useful for your writing.
Week 4
Getting your work 'out there'
Introduction
Dr Graham Eatough introduces the final week of the course.
Types of Theatre
In this section we will consider the different venues that might suit your work, and building connections with local theatres.
Developing Your Work
In this section we will look at how to promote your work and attract interest in having it performed.
Commissioning
In this section we will look at the challenges of developing an income from playwriting, and some specific approaches to consider.
Week 4 Wrap-up
A summary of what we covered throughout the course, and an opportunity for you to reflect and feedback on what was most useful for your writing.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Identify the fundamental elements of plays and playwriting
- Improve playwriting skills through exploring key elements of the craft including setting, character, dialogue, structure and style
- Identify key elements of theatricality in playwriting
- Apply strategies around finding inspiration and perseverance with your playwrighting
- Evaluate and identify opportunities for sharing your playwriting with others
Who is the course for?
Anyone wanting to develop playwriting skills – people considering further study in this field. Those interested in playwriting, dramaturgy, theatre sector, screenwriting, creative industries.
Who will you learn with?
Who developed the course?
Established
1451Location
Glasgow, Scotland, UKWorld ranking
Top 70Source: QS World University Rankings 2020
Ways to learn | Subscribe & save | Buy this course | Limited access |
---|---|---|---|
Choose the best way to learn for you! | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | $79/one-off payment | Free |
Develop skills to further your career | Fulfill your current learning need | Sample the course materials | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 7 Dec 2024 |
Access to 1,000+ courses | tick | cross | cross |
Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
Certificate when you're eligible | Digital only | Printed and digital | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Buy this course
$79/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 7 Dec 2024
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...
More courses you might like
Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.
Browse more in Creative Arts & Media and Literature