Department of English

This course is designed as a hands-on workshop in the art and craft of playwriting. It involves the study of existing plays (the majority of which have world premiered in the past 10 years); the exploration of elements such as storymaking, plot, structure, theme, character, dialogue, setting, etc., through reading excerpts from new plays and practicing techniques in short writing exercises; and the development of students’ own one-act plays through a series of written assignments and in-class exercises. Since a great deal of this work takes place in class—through lectures, discussions, writing exercises, and the reading of student work—weekly attendance and active participation is crucial. At the end of the semester, the students’ final scripts are given a reading by professional actors at the Annenberg Center. Students are welcome to invite their friends and family to this event.