Capstone: Bringing it all together from edX

In this capstone course we will bring together and apply the five most important components of writing successfully for performance and the entertainment industries, across all the mediums we have covered:

1: Understanding story structure, dialogue, character and theme

2: Understanding how to work as your own producer with an entrepreneur’s mindset

3: How to create commercially viable scripts

4: How to anticipate audience reception

5: How to challenge yourself to work experimentally, and to write outside your comfort zone

You will be asked to reflect critically on your experience as well as to refine your favourite piece of work from the course. We will look at best-practice career tips as well, and review one essential concept from each course.

Assessments for this course :

3000 word critical essay based upon a chosen aspect of performance theory or history. Deadline: 20 June 23:59 BST (UTC+1)
Feedback and marks will be given by our tutors by 11 July and this assignment must be passed at 60%. Each assignment will be double marked and assessed for original content.
For those progressing to the MSt, this mark will be carried forward as your mark for module 1.

You are encouraged to link this to your own writing practice, and may use ideas from throughout the programme.

10-page script in a medium of your choice. This will be peer-assessed in small groups and you must show evidence of providing as well as receiving feedback in order to pass the course. It will not be graded.
Multiple choice test based upon understanding gained in the previous 7 courses.
Deadline: 4 July 23:59 BST (UTC+1)
This must be passed at 60% to pass the course and, therefore, MicroMasters program.

What you'll learn

This course is the culmination of the MicroMasters program and the learning from this individual course is based upon a consolidation of learning gained from the entire program, specifically:

Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for performance and the entertainment industries as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within performative writing; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of performativity;
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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners seeking a foundation in writing for performance and the entertainment industries

Suitable for intermediate learners seeking to expand or strengthen their existing skills in writing for performance and the entertainment industries

Develops specialized knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for performance and the entertainment industries as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within performative writing; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of performativity

Taught by experienced instructors Abigail Docherty

Content is flexible and applicable to different mediums within the performance and entertainment industries

Provides a hands-on approach to learning through writing assignments and peer feedback, preparing learners for the collaborative nature of the entertainment industry

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 Capstone: Bringing it all together with these activities:

Connect with experienced writers

Show steps

Seek guidance and mentorship from experienced writers to accelerate your progress.

Show steps

Identify writers or industry professionals who resonate with your writing style and goals.
Reach out and request mentorship.
Attend meetings or engage in regular communication to receive feedback and advice.

Expand your network in the entertainment industry

Show steps

Connect with professionals in the entertainment industry to gain insights and expand your opportunities.

Show steps

Attend industry events, such as conferences, panels, or meet-ups.
Introduce yourself to people, exchange contact information, and follow up.
Join professional organizations or online communities.

Review foundational writing concepts

Show steps

Review foundational writing principles to enhance your understanding of the course materials.

View Writing Fiction on Amazon

Show steps

Identify the key principles of story structure, character development, theme, and dialogue.
Examine how these principles are applied in the book.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Understand the principles of experimental writing

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of experimental writing techniques to enhance your creativity.

View The Art of Subtext: Beyond Plot (Art of...) on Amazon

Show steps

Read and analyze experimental writing styles and techniques.
Identify the unique features and challenges of experimental writing.
Consider how these techniques can enhance your own writing.

Create a character sketch

Show steps

Develop a detailed character to practice your characterization skills.

Show steps

Determine the character's motivations, backstory, and personality traits.
Craft a physical description and unique voice for the character.
Write a short scene or dialogue that showcases the character's personality.

Develop a commercially viable script concept

Show steps

Apply your understanding of commercial viability to create a marketable script concept.

Show steps

Research industry trends and market demands.
Develop a compelling logline and synopsis.
Craft a script outline that showcases the concept's commercial potential.

Engage in peer critique

Show steps

Provide and receive feedback on your writing to refine your work.

Show steps

Share your work with a peer group.
Provide constructive feedback on others' writing.
Incorporate feedback into your own writing.

Attend a writing workshop

Show steps

Enhance your writing skills through professional guidance and feedback.

Show steps

Identify and attend a writing workshop that aligns with your goals.
Actively participate in exercises and discussions.
Apply the feedback and insights gained to your writing.

Career center

Learners who complete Capstone: Bringing it all together will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Screenwriter

Screenwriters craft scripts for film, television, video games, and other media. This course will be especially helpful because it will teach you how to develop compelling stories, characters, and dialogue.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Television Producer

Television producers oversee all aspects of television production. This course will help you build a foundation in the industry by teaching you about story structure, dialogue, character, and theme.

See salaries and explore the career path for Television Producer

Film Director

Film directors are responsible for bringing a film to life. They work with actors, crew, and other creatives to interpret the script and create a visually compelling story.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Director

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on current events. This course will help you develop the skills you need to gather information, write clearly and concisely, and meet deadlines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Novelist

Novelists write works of fiction. This course will help you develop your storytelling skills and learn how to create characters, plot, and setting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist

Copywriter

Copywriters write persuasive and informative content for marketing and advertising. This course will teach you how to write effectively for a variety of audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Content Creator

Content creators develop and produce content for online platforms such as websites, social media, and blogs. This course will help you learn how to create engaging and informative content that will attract and retain an audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the public image of companies and organizations. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write press releases, media advisories, and other public relations materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write clear, concise, and persuasive speeches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Technical Writer

Technical writers create instruction manuals, user guides, and other technical documentation. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write clear, concise, and accurate technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Grant Writer

Grant writers write proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write clear, persuasive, and well-researched grant proposals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Editor

Editors review, edit, and proofread written content for a variety of purposes. This course will help you develop the skills you need to edit and proofread effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and execute marketing campaigns. This course can be helpful for aspiring marketing managers, as it will help you develop the skills you need to write effective marketing materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Business Analyst

Business analysts analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement. This course may be helpful for aspiring business analysts, as it will help you develop the skills you need to understand and write about complex business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project managers plan, organize, and execute projects. This course may be helpful for aspiring project managers, as it will help you develop the skills you need to write effective project plans and other project documents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager