Writing successfully for the Stage from edX

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

We will be looking in depth at how to turn your ideas into well-structured story arcs with resonant plot points. How can we write dialogue that sings with sub-text, and embodies your own distinctive creative voice? We will look closely at form, and find ways of relating theme to style. How should we structure a play-text so that it is active and makes every dramatic beat count? How will you use stage direction, music and set design to develop the metaphoric world of your play? All these questions and more will be answered.

We will be thinking comparatively about advice from the most famous script-editors and dramaturgs, as well as investigating the work of Brecht, Richard Schechner, Augusto Boal, Japanese Noh theatre, and epic forms of theatre from around the world. We will explore how theory may inspire creative practice and vice versa. What commonalities does theatre-making share in cultural communities across the world and why is important that we reference creative practices outside our own? Join us and expand your perspective on what is possible with space, words, and live performance.

Learning to pace a story effectively, to engage and surprise an audience(and to make them laugh!), are useful skills for your professional development outside the Arts.

Skill transferability, flexible thinking, and expert language 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 a plan for the structure of a new play. You will have tried out different ways of writing dialogue and found one that suits you – you will be invited to share this in a discussion forum with your peers.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Dramaturgical and script-editing skills within playwriting;
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;
Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for performance as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within performance; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of performance;

Advanced awareness of the relevant market and distribution demands of entertainment industries;
Enhanced understanding of the applications of performance in educational, community, and social contexts;

Dramaturgical and script-editing skills within playwriting;
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;
Specialised knowledge of histories, forms, and traditions of writing for performance as well as the cultural contexts of innovative practitioners and practices within performance; of contemporary critical, analytical, and narrative theories of performance;
Advanced awareness of the relevant market and distribution demands of entertainment industries;
Enhanced understanding of the applications of performance in educational, community, and social contexts;

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides instruction on playwriting, script-editing, dramaturgy, and theater theory

Focuses on advanced playwriting skills, such as structuring story arcs, writing dialogue, and using stage direction

Emphasizes the development of self-management skills and adaptability in creative work

Develops specialized knowledge of theater history, forms, and contemporary theories

Provides instruction on understanding market demands and distribution in the entertainment industry

Requires students to complete writing exercises and keep a creativity journal

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 Writing successfully for the Stage with these activities:

Review Stage Directions

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Make sure your grasp of stage direction terminology is refreshed in order to engage more fully in the coursework.

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Use a dictionary of theatre terms to review key concepts.
Find sample scripts online and practice reading and interpreting the stage directions.

Explore Brecht's Epic Theatre

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Become familiar with Brecht's influential approaches to theatre through guided tutorials to enhance your understanding of different perspectives in playwriting.

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Review online tutorials or videos on Brecht's theories.
Read one of Brecht's plays and analyze how his techniques are employed.
Attend a live performance or watch a recording of a play that incorporates Brecht's style.

Dialogue Writing Workshop

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Engage in a workshop with peers to refine your dialogue writing skills and develop your unique creative voice.

Browse courses on Dialogue Writing

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Bring a draft of a dialogue you've been working on.
Present your work to the group and receive feedback.
Offer constructive criticism to other participants.

Five other activities

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Develop a Playwriting Concept

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Conceptualize and develop a compelling idea for a new play, solidifying your understanding of play structure and storytelling techniques.

Browse courses on Playwriting

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Brainstorm and research potential themes or topics.
Outline the key plot points.
Develop character profiles and motivations.

Subtext and Characterization Exercises

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Enhance your ability to convey subtext and develop nuanced characters through practice drills, deepening your understanding of character analysis.

Browse courses on Character Development

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Practice speaking lines with different emotional subtexts.
Create character profiles and perform short monologues embodying those characters.
Engage in improvisation exercises focused on character development.

Theatre Inspiration Anthology

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Curate a collection of inspiring theatre performances, texts, or articles to broaden your perspective on the art form and enrich your creative process.

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Identify and gather works that resonate with you or explore diverse perspectives.
Organize your compilation into categories or themes.

Read and Analyze 'The Empty Space' by Peter Brook

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Dive deeper into the philosophies of renowned theatre director Peter Brook to gain insights into the nature of theatre and its impact on performers and audiences alike.

View Tip of the Tongue on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to Brook's key concepts.
Summarize and analyze Brook's ideas related to the course topics.

Offer Script Feedback

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Sharpen your analytical and communication skills by providing constructive feedback to other students' playwriting work, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Browse courses on Playwriting

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Read other students' playwriting assignments.
Identify areas for improvement and provide specific suggestions.
Communicate your feedback respectfully and professionally.

Career center

Learners who complete Writing successfully for the Stage will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Playwright

Playwrights write scripts for plays that are performed on the stage, film, or radio. They develop the story, characters, and dialogue, and may also direct the production. This course can help you build a strong foundation in playwriting. You will learn how to write well-structured story arcs, create resonant characters, and write dialogue that sings with subtext. You will also learn how to use stage direction, music, and set design to develop the metaphoric world of your play.

See salaries and explore the career path for Playwright

Screenwriter

Screenwriters write scripts for movies, TV shows, and other visual media. They develop the story, characters, and dialogue, and may also collaborate with the director and other members of the production team. This course can help you build a strong foundation in screenwriting. You will learn how to write well-structured story arcs, create resonant characters, and write dialogue that sings with subtext. You will also learn how to use cinematic techniques to tell your story in a visually engaging way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Creative Writer

Creative writers write original works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. They may write for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, education, and self-expression. This course can help you develop your creative writing skills. You will learn how to generate ideas, develop characters, and write compelling stories. You will also learn how to use language in a creative and evocative way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Writer

Novelist

Novelists write long works of fiction that are typically published in book form. They develop the story, characters, and dialogue, and may also conduct research to ensure the accuracy of their work. This course can help you build a strong foundation in novel writing. You will learn how to write well-structured story arcs, create resonant characters, and write dialogue that sings with subtext. You will also learn how to use different narrative techniques to tell your story in a compelling way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist

Poet

Poets write poems, which are short works of literature that use language in a creative and evocative way. They may write for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, education, and self-expression. This course can help you develop your poetry writing skills. You will learn how to generate ideas, develop metaphors, and write poems in a variety of forms. You will also learn how to use language in a creative and evocative way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Poet

Literary Agent

Literary agents represent authors and help them sell their work to publishers. They negotiate contracts, provide editorial feedback, and offer guidance on the business side of writing. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful literary agent. You will learn how to evaluate manuscripts, negotiate contracts, and provide editorial feedback. You will also learn about the publishing industry and how to build relationships with publishers.

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Editor

Editors work with authors to improve the quality of their writing. They may work on a variety of projects, including books, articles, and website content. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful editor. You will learn how to evaluate writing, provide constructive criticism, and help authors improve their work. You will also learn about the publishing industry and how to work with authors.

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Marketing Writer

Marketing writers create marketing materials, such as website content, brochures, and social media posts, to promote products and services. They write compelling copy that persuades readers to take action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful marketing writer. You will learn how to write compelling copy, use persuasive techniques, and understand the principles of marketing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Writer

Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation for a variety of products and services, including software, hardware, and medical devices. They write user manuals, training materials, and other documents that help users understand and use these products and services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful technical writer. You will learn how to write clearly and concisely, organize information effectively, and use visuals to support your writing.

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Journalist

Journalists write articles, stories, and other content for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They research and report on a variety of topics, including current events, politics, and culture. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful journalist. You will learn how to research and report on a variety of topics, write clearly and concisely, and meet deadlines.

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Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for a variety of occasions, including political rallies, corporate events, and academic conferences. They research the topic, develop the main points, and write a speech that is both informative and engaging. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful speechwriter. You will learn how to research a topic, develop main points, and write a speech that is both informative and engaging.

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Grant Writer

Grant writers write proposals to secure funding for a variety of projects, including research, education, and community development. They research funding opportunities, develop project proposals, and write compelling narratives that persuade reviewers to approve their funding. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful grant writer. You will learn how to research funding opportunities, develop project proposals, and write compelling narratives.

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Freelance Writer

Freelance writers write for a variety of clients, including businesses, magazines, and websites. They may write articles, blog posts, website content, and other types of written content. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful freelance writer. You will learn how to find clients, negotiate rates, and write high-quality content.

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Copywriter

Copywriters write persuasive copy for a variety of purposes, including advertising, marketing, and public relations. They write headlines, slogans, and other types of copy that convinces readers to take action. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful copywriter. You will learn how to write persuasive copy, use persuasive techniques, and understand the principles of marketing.

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Content Writer

Content writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including marketing, branding, and education. They write articles, blog posts, website content, and other types of written content. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful content writer. You will learn how to write engaging and informative content, use SEO techniques, and understand the principles of content marketing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Writing successfully for the Stage

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