Playwriting Workshop

Unit 1 – Elements of Dramatic Structure

Unit 2 – Character Development & Archetypes

Unit 3 – Dialogue and subtext

Unit 4 – Conflict and tension

Unit 5 – Theme and message

Unit 6 – Visual Storytelling in Stage Directions

Unit 7 – Dramatic genres and styles

Unit 8 – Playwriting: Process & Techniques

Unit 9 – Collaborating with Directors and Actors

Unit 10 – Revision and Editing in Playwriting

Unit 11 – Playwriting Careers and Industry Insights

## What do you learn in Playwriting Workshop

You'll learn the nuts and bolts of crafting plays, from character development to dialogue writing. The course covers plot structure, scene construction, and how to create compelling dramatic conflicts. You'll also explore different playwriting styles, analyze famous plays, and get hands-on experience writing and workshopping your own scripts with feedback from peers and instructors.

## Is Playwriting Workshop hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's not rocket science either. The creative aspect can be challenging, especially when you're staring at a blank page. Coming up with original ideas and fleshing out characters takes some mental gymnastics. The workshop part can be nerve-wracking too, sharing your work and getting critiqued. But most students find it rewarding once they get into the groove.

## Tips for taking Playwriting Workshop in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram for playwriting theory and terminology. 🌶️
2. Read lots of plays. Seriously, devour them. It'll help you understand structure and dialogue better.
3. Keep a notebook handy for random ideas. You never know when inspiration will strike.
4. Don't be precious about your first drafts. Be willing to kill your darlings in rewrites.
5. Watch plays whenever you can. Nothing beats seeing the words come to life on stage.
6. Try writing in different genres. You might discover you're a comedy genius or a master of tragedy.
7. Check out "The Art of Dramatic Writing" by Lajos Egri for a deep dive into crafting conflicts.

## Common pre-requisites for Playwriting Workshop

Introduction to Theater: This course gives you a broad overview of theater history, styles, and production elements. You'll learn about different theatrical traditions and get a taste of various aspects of theater-making.

Creative Writing: In this class, you'll explore different forms of creative writing, including short stories, poetry, and personal essays. It helps develop your overall writing skills and creativity, which are crucial for playwriting.

## Classes similar to Playwriting Workshop

Screenwriting: Learn to write for film and TV. You'll cover similar storytelling principles but adapt them for the screen, focusing on visual storytelling and industry-specific formatting.

Dramatic Literature: Dive deep into analyzing plays from different periods and cultures. You'll dissect famous works to understand their structure, themes, and historical context.

Acting for Writers: Get a taste of the actor's perspective. This course helps writers understand how actors approach scripts, which can inform your writing process and character development.

Directing: Learn the basics of bringing a script to life on stage. Understanding the director's role can help you write more stageable plays and collaborate better in productions.

## Majors related to Playwriting Workshop

Theater: Covers all aspects of theatrical production, from acting and directing to design and management. Students often specialize in specific areas like performance, playwriting, or technical theater.

Creative Writing: Focuses on developing writing skills across various genres, including fiction, poetry, and drama. Students learn to craft compelling narratives and express themselves through the written word.

English Literature: Involves studying and analyzing literary works from various periods and cultures. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring the power of language and storytelling.

Film and Media Studies: Examines the history, theory, and production of various media forms, including film, television, and digital media. Students learn about storytelling in visual mediums and often engage in practical production work.

## What can you do with a degree in Playwriting Workshop?

Playwright: Write original plays for theater companies, festivals, or independent productions. You'll create scripts, develop characters, and collaborate with directors and actors to bring your stories to life on stage.

Screenwriter: Adapt your playwriting skills to write for film, television, or streaming platforms. You'll craft scripts for various formats, from feature films to TV series, working within the specific constraints of screen-based storytelling.

Dramaturge: Work with theaters or production companies to research and develop new plays or revivals. You'll provide historical context, analyze scripts, and help bridge the gap between the playwright's vision and the production team's interpretation.

Theater Educator: Teach playwriting or theater courses at high schools, colleges, or community centers. You'll guide aspiring writers and theater-makers, sharing your knowledge and passion for dramatic storytelling.

## Playwriting Workshop FAQs

How much writing is involved in this course? You'll be writing constantly, from short exercises to full-length plays. Expect to produce at least one complete one-act play by the end of the semester.

Do I need to have acting experience to take this class? Not at all! While some acting background can be helpful, it's not required. The course focuses on the writing aspect, not performance.

Will my plays be performed in this class? Usually, there are informal readings of scenes or short plays. However, full productions are typically not part of the workshop format.

Performing Arts

1.1 Exposition

1.2 Inciting incident

1.3 Rising action

1.4 Climax

1.5 Falling action

1.6 Resolution

1.7 Denouement

2.1 Protagonist

2.2 Antagonist

2.3 Supporting characters

2.4 Character arcs

2.5 Character motivation

2.7 Archetypal characters

2.6 Character backstory

3.1 Realistic dialogue

3.2 Stylized dialogue

3.3 Subtext

3.4 Monologues

3.7 Silence and pauses

3.6 Dialect and accents

3.5 Dialogue formatting

4.1 External conflict

4.2 Internal conflict

4.3 Interpersonal conflict

4.4 Stakes and consequences

4.5 Suspense and anticipation

4.6 Pacing and momentum

4.7 Conflict resolution

5.1 Central theme

5.2 Subtextual themes

5.3 Moral and ethical questions

5.4 Social and political commentary

5.5 Universal human experiences

5.7 Thematic resolution

5.6 Symbolism and motifs

6.2 Blocking and movement

6.1 Stage directions formatting

6.3 Set design and props

6.4 Lighting and sound

6.5 Costumes and makeup

6.6 Visual metaphors and symbolism

6.7 Multimedia elements

7.1 Tragedy

7.2 Comedy

7.3 Melodrama

7.4 Farce

7.5 Realism and naturalism

7.6 Absurdism and surrealism

7.7 Experimental and avant-garde

8.1 Idea generation and brainstorming

8.2 Outlining and structuring

8.3 Drafting and writing

8.4 Rewriting and revising

8.5 Formatting and script presentation

8.6 Writer's block and creative obstacles

8.7 Feedback and critique

9.1 Table reads and script analysis

9.2 Casting and auditions

9.3 Rehearsal process

9.4 Script changes and adaptations

9.5 Playwright's role in production

9.6 Collaboration with design team

9.7 Opening night and post-production

10.1 Self-editing techniques

10.2 Feedback from trusted readers

10.3 Script coverage and analysis

10.4 Workshopping and staged readings

10.5 Revising for clarity and impact

10.6 Cutting and condensing

10.7 Polishing and proofreading

11.3 Literary agents and representation

11.4 Playwriting residencies and fellowships

11.5 Networking and professional development

11.1 Playwriting contests and festivals

11.6 Playwriting grants and funding

11.7 Playwriting as a career

11.2 Submitting to theaters and producers

Browse all Playwriting Workshop Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next