Digital Platforms in Performance from edX

This course is part of the University of Cambridge’s MicroMaster’s program in Writing for Performance and Entertainment Industries.

How can you utilise the innovative creative world of online digital platforms to advance and create new material as dramatic writers? We will be looking in depth at how to find an digital form that stimulates you as a writer. Do you want to write interactive gameplay ‘script’ for the video game industry? Or learn how to write soundscapes for radio drama and podcast plays? Perhaps you want to create new content for your own YouTube channel? We will be looking at how narrative skill and digital production coincide in all these mediums.

We will consider successful professional examples of digital narratives; look deeply into the changing form of scriptwriting in the video game industry, as well as acquire a knowledge of how to reach a target audience online. This is a comprehensive introduction to writing and innovating digital content.

Learning to write for online platforms, and how to communicate most effectively with an online audience, is now an highly transferable skill for any profession.

Digital expertise, flexible thinking, and expert storytelling abilities are now essential in a diversifying global job market - come and learn essential new skills, and have fun doing it!

You will be set writing exercises over the course of the module, and you will asked to keep a brief creativity journal to note how your ideas progress and how your intuition leads you into productivity. By the end of this module, you will have completed several pieces of script in a range of digital mediums of your choice.

What you'll learn

Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for digital performance as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within digital performance; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of digital media and performance;
detailed understanding of key performance components within the discipline, to include: ideational sources, body, space, image, sound, text, movement, environment.
dramaturgical and script-editing skills within digital and radio scripts
developed advanced self-management skills to include working in planned and improvisatory ways, as well as the ability to anticipate and accommodate change, ambiguity, creative risk-taking, uncertainty and unfamiliarity;
how to create effective structure within a scene; how to edit your script; how to create effective characters within online narratives.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for digital performance as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within digital performance; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of digital media and performance;
Detailed understanding of key performance components within the discipline, to include: ideational sources, body, space, image, sound, text, movement, environment.
Dramaturgical and script-editing skills within digital and radio scripts

Developed advanced self-management skills to include working in planned and improvisatory ways, as well as the ability to anticipate and accommodate change, ambiguity, creative risk-taking, uncertainty and unfamiliarity;
How to create effective structure within a scene; how to edit your script; how to create effective characters within online narratives.

Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for digital performance as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within digital performance; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of digital media and performance;
Detailed understanding of key performance components within the discipline, to include: ideational sources, body, space, image, sound, text, movement, environment.
Dramaturgical and script-editing skills within digital and radio scripts
Developed advanced self-management skills to include working in planned and improvisatory ways, as well as the ability to anticipate and accommodate change, ambiguity, creative risk-taking, uncertainty and unfamiliarity;
How to create effective structure within a scene; how to edit your script; how to create effective characters within online narratives.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores foundational skills for writing in the online space

Teaches techniques for writing effective digital content

Covers digital writing, including scriptwriting for video games and YouTube channels

Course includes writing exercises and a creativity journal

Provides instruction in digital media theory and performance

Helps learners develop self-management skills for creative work

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Platforms in Performance with these activities:

Review foundational scriptwriting skills

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Reinforce your existing knowledge of the basics of scriptwriting before embarking on this course.

Browse courses on Scriptwriting

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Review the elements of a screenplay, including structure, character development, and dialogue.
Analyze different types of scripts, such as feature films, television shows, and video games.
Consider watching movies and television shows critically, focusing on dialogue and plot structure.

Learn Basics of Digital Storytelling

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Writing for digital performance requires an understanding of digital storytelling techniques. Before the course begins, brush up on these foundational concepts to ensure you have a strong base to build upon throughout the course.

Browse courses on Digital Storytelling

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Review online articles and tutorials on digital storytelling
Experiment with creating short digital narratives using free online tools

Read: The Art of Digital Storytelling by D. Gauntlett

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Gain theoretical insights into the art of digital storytelling. Gauntlett's book provides a comprehensive overview of the field, exploring its history, key concepts, and best practices.

View Creativity on Amazon

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Read and analyze key chapters of the book
Reflect on how the concepts presented relate to your own digital performance project

Six other activities

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Explore Online Platforms for Digital Content

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Become familiar with various online platforms that can be used for showcasing and distributing digital content. This will help you make informed decisions about where to publish your work and how to reach your target audience.

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Research different online platforms that cater to digital content creators
Follow tutorials on how to set up and optimize a presence on these platforms

Attend a Scriptwriting Workshop

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Attend a scriptwriting workshop to gain practical experience and refine your skills in the craft of writing for digital performance.

Browse courses on Screenwriting

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Research and identify scriptwriting workshops in your area or online.
Select a workshop that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions.
Follow up after the workshop by reviewing your notes and applying what you learned to your own writing.

Explore online tutorials on digital storytelling

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Take advantage of the wealth of online tutorials to further your understanding of writing for digital platforms.

Browse courses on Digital Production

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Search for tutorials on specific digital storytelling techniques, such as creating interactive scripts or writing for video games.
Follow along with tutorials and practice the techniques on your own.

Practice Writing Dialogue for Digital Characters

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Dialogue is crucial in digital performance. Practice writing engaging dialogue that effectively conveys character emotions, motivations, and relationships.

Browse courses on Dialogue Writing

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Create a list of characters with distinct personalities and backgrounds
Write dialogue that reveals character relationships and advances the plot
Experiment with different dialogue styles and techniques

Participate in a Digital Arts Community

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Engage with a community of digital artists and practitioners. Volunteering or attending events can provide valuable insights and connections that can support your professional development.

Browse courses on Digital Arts

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Identify local or online communities focused on digital arts
Volunteer your time or attend workshops and events organized by these communities

Develop a Digital Performance Concept

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Start brainstorming ideas and developing a concept for a digital performance. This will allow you to apply the principles of digital storytelling and explore different possibilities for your project.

Browse courses on Scriptwriting

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Generate ideas for a digital performance that aligns with your interests and skills
Define the target audience and platform for your performance
Create a storyboard or outline to visualize your concept

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Platforms in Performance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Video Game Writer

The Video Game Writer is responsible for writing scripts and dialogue for video games. This course provides foundational knowledge of the video game industry and the unique challenges of writing for this medium. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for writing engaging video game narratives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Writer

Interactive Media Designer

Interactive Media Designers work on creating interactive experiences for various digital platforms, including websites, social media, and mobile apps. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital platforms and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging interactive experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interactive Media Designer

Digital Content Creator

The Digital Content Creator develops and creates digital content for various platforms, including websites, social media, and mobile apps. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital platforms and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging digital content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Content Creator

Digital Platforms Specialist

The Digital Platforms Specialist works to develop, manage, and promote digital platforms, including websites, social media, and mobile apps. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital platforms and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Furthermore, this course may be particularly beneficial for those interested in working with digital platforms in the entertainment industry, as it focuses on the use of these platforms for performance and storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Platforms Specialist

Radio Producer

A Radio Producer is responsible for the production of radio programs, which are broadcast over the airwaves. This course provides foundational knowledge of the radio industry and the unique challenges of writing and producing radio programs. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging radio programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radio Producer

Screenwriter

A Screenwriter writes scripts for film and television. This course provides a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for writing engaging screenplays. Additionally, this course may be particularly beneficial for those interested in writing for digital platforms, as it focuses on the use of these platforms for performance and storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Podcaster

A Podcaster creates and hosts podcasts, which are audio programs that are distributed over the internet. This course provides foundational knowledge of the podcasting industry and the unique challenges of writing and producing podcasts. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging podcasts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Podcaster

Digital Analyst

A Digital Analyst is responsible for analyzing digital data to measure the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital analytics tools and how to use them effectively to measure the success of digital marketing campaigns. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging digital content that resonates with target audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Analyst

Public Relations (PR) Specialist

A Public Relations (PR) Specialist is responsible for managing the public relations of businesses and organizations. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various public relations channels and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging public relations content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations (PR) Specialist

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation for technical products and services. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital platforms and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

User Experience (UX) Designer

A UX Designer is responsible for designing the user experience of digital products and services. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital platforms and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging user experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager is responsible for managing social media accounts for businesses and organizations. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various social media platforms and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging social media content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Content Strategist

A Content Strategist is responsible for developing and implementing content strategies for various digital platforms. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital platforms and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Strategist

Digital Marketing Manager

A Digital Marketing Manager is responsible for planning and executing digital marketing campaigns. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital marketing channels and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging digital marketing content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates and develops instructional materials, such as online courses and training programs. This course provides foundational knowledge of the various digital platforms and how to use them effectively to reach target audiences. Additionally, this course helps build a foundation in digital storytelling and scriptwriting, which are essential skills for creating engaging instructional materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer