ENGL 285 - Introduction to Playwriting and Textual Analysis

Cross-Listed as THDA 242

This class introduces the fundamentals of playwriting by exposing students to a wide variety of plays and a series of writing exercises. They will read new and contemporary plays that employ different storytelling techniques (i.e. structure, character arcs, staging elements, etc.), embrace the unlimited possibilities of theatricality, and exemplify why we write for the stage. Students will develop a “playwriting toolkit” as they explore their artistic interests following the conventions of time-bound pieces: the 1-minute, 5-minute, 10-minute, and ultimately one-act form. In-class exercises and prompts, and small-group workshopping and reading will challenge each writer’s development. A mid-term and final play reading series of one-acts will allow students to hear their work in a supportive public setting. Offered alternate spring semesters. (4 Credits)