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Abigail Docherty
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
Read more
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
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/c8jtdq/capstone
Good to know
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
Save this course
Save Capstone: Bringing it all together to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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.
Connect with experienced writers
Show steps
Seek guidance and mentorship from experienced writers to accelerate your progress.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
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.
Television Producer
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.
Film Director
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.
Journalist
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.
Novelist
Novelist
Novelists write works of fiction. This course will help you develop your storytelling skills and learn how to create characters, plot, and setting.
Copywriter
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.
Content Creator
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.
Public Relations Specialist
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.
Speechwriter
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.
Technical Writer
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.
Grant 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.
Editor
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
Business Analyst
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.
Project Manager
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c8jtdq/capstone
Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Capstone: Bringing it all together.
Save
Comprehensive overview of theatre and performance theory. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who are interested in learning more about the latest research in performance studies.
Save
Classic guide to the craft of scriptwriting. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who are interested in learning more about how to write for stage and screen.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and theory of dramaturgy, which is the study of the structure and meaning of dramatic works. It would be a useful reference tool for students in this course who are interested in learning more about the theoretical underpinnings of performance.
Provides a framework for understanding the structure of stories and how to use it to create compelling narratives. It valuable resource for writers of all levels.
Save
Is an introduction to the field of performance studies. It would be a useful reference tool for students in this course who are interested in learning more about the theoretical underpinnings of performance.
History of dramaturgy. It would be a useful reference tool for students in this course who are interested in learning more about the historical development of performance.
Save
Provides a practical guide to writing fiction, covering all aspects from plot and character development to dialogue and pacing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and theory of theatre studies. It would be a useful reference tool for students in this course who are interested in learning more about the broader context of performance.
Practical guide to acting. It would be a useful resource for students in this course who are interested in learning more about the craft of acting.
Save
Practical guide to the craft of screenwriting. It would be a useful resource for students in this course who are interested in learning more about how to write for film and television.
Guide to the craft of writing fiction. It would be a valuable resource for students in this course who are interested in learning more about how to write stories for stage and screen.
Provides a step-by-step guide to writing screenplays, with a focus on creating stories that are both commercially viable and emotionally resonant.
Save
History of film. It would be a useful reference tool for students in this course who are interested in learning more about the historical context of performance.
Textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the history and theory of drama. It would be a useful resource for students in this course who are looking for a more traditional introduction to the subject.
Classic guide to writing plays and screenplays, covering the principles of character development, plot construction, and dialogue.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to the structure and elements of storytelling, with a focus on creating stories that are both engaging and meaningful.
Seminal work on the study of mythology and its archetypes, providing insights into the universal patterns that underlie stories from all cultures.
This play is considered one of the greatest works of English literature, and it provides a rich source of insights into the human condition and the nature of tragedy.
Save
This play moving and poetic drama that explores the themes of family, memory, and the American Dream.
Save
This play powerful and moving drama that explores the themes of race, poverty, and the American Dream.
This play complex and ambitious work that explores the themes of AIDS, homosexuality, and the American political landscape.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Western theatre, from its origins in ancient Greece to the present day.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the history of American theatre, from its beginnings in the colonial era to the present day.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c8jtdq/capstone
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Effort
8 to 10 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
University of Cambridge
Instructor
Abigail Docherty
Sessions
October 7, 2024
- November 18, 2024
March 4, 2024
- April 15, 2024
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
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
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