THDA 242, Playwriting: In this course, students engage in a series of playwriting exercises and read a wide variety of plays. They will read new and contemporary plays that employ different storytelling techniques (i.e., structure, character arcs, staging elements, etc.), embrace the unlimited possibilities of theatricality, and exemplify why we write for the stage. Students will develop a “playwriting toolkit” as they explore their artistic interests following the conventions of time-bound pieces: the 1-minute, 5-minute, 10-minute, and ultimately one-act form. In-class exercises and prompts, and small-group workshopping and reading will challenge each writer’s individual development. A midterm and final play reading series of one-acts will allow students to hear their work in a supportive public setting. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Coursework in Theater and Dance, or in creative writing is recommended.
Cross-listed as: ENGL 285-01
Course Objectives
- To deepen your understanding of the building blocks of playwriting and to apply what you learn to your own creative writing process;
- To develop your reading and listening skills, as well as your ability to discuss a variety of plays with this lens in mind;
- To develop a consistent, challenging, and rewarding individual creative writing
Methodology
This is a modified workshop course and thus attendance, participation and preparation are crucial. There are four main writing assignments and a final.
Evaluation
- Attendance: 20%
- Class Participation: 20%
- Assignments: 50%
- Final: 10%