How can an initial idea for a play become a piece of dramatic writing that really works onstage? This course takes an active, process-oriented approach to playwriting, directly involving would-be writers for the stage in the kind of collaborative, cooperative creative effort that permeates most aspects of the theatre arts.

Through a mix of short lectures, individual and group writing workshops, discussion and in-class exercises (including the techniques of 'working in-role' and 'hot-seating'), each member of the group will work towards the goal of completing a short one-act play, which will be read or performed in public at the semester's end.

Elements of playwriting to be considered and worked upon include monologue, dialogue, character development and relationship, setting, theme, and conflict creation, expansion and resolution. The course will involve reading and analysing successful scripts, and reflecting critically on a mixture of live and recorded drama.

Related study trips

All ASE students visit Stratford-upon-Avon, seeing shows by the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. In addition, course participants attend two productions at local theatres.

ASE reserves the right to change the content of course-specific study trips where necessary.