• University of Glasgow
New

An Introduction to Playwriting

In this course, you'll generate ideas for a play and get to know genre, drama structure, exposition, dialogue, and drafting.

An Introduction to Playwriting

  • 4 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

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?

The University of Glasgow

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities.

  • Established

    1451
  • Location

    Glasgow, Scotland, UK
  • World ranking

    Top 70Source: QS World University Rankings 2020

Ways to learn

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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)

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

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