Acting and drama: writing for stage and screen

About this course

Participants examine scripts and screenplays across different formats and genres, while exploring ways to structure stories and create characters for theatre, film and television. Teaching combines seminars, talks, demonstrations, discussion, writing exercises, practical tasks and peer feedback. Each learner develops an individual project, producing a one-page pitch and either a treatment or the opening ten pages of a play, film or television script.

What you'll learn

• Structure stories for stage and screen
• Create characters for plays, films and television
• Analyse scripts and screenplays across different formats
• Develop a one-page pitch and a treatment or script opening
• Apply writing techniques through practical exercises and project work

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and does not require specific previous experience beyond basic reading and writing skills in English. Learners will work independently on a writing project while also taking part in group work, discussion and peer feedback.

• Suitable for learners exploring writing for plays, film or television
• Requires some writing work outside lessons
• Includes verbal, written and peer feedback on learners' work

Before you go

• Bring a notebook and pen, or a laptop if available.
• Learners should expect to work on their scripts outside class and complete writing exercises.