Playwrights Practice: Playwriting Made Easy

Unleash Your Inner Dramatist: Learn to Write Short Plays

"The act of playwriting feeds the soul unlike anything else in the theatre arts." ~Unknown

Ready to embark on a creative journey? This comprehensive course is designed for aspiring playwrights eager to master the art of crafting compelling short stage plays. From initial concept to a polished final draft, you'll gain the playwriting skills and methods needed to bring your stories to life on stage.

We'll delve into the world of theatrical masterpieces, analyzing their structures and techniques to inspire your own work. Playwriting is more than just writing; it's a process of self-discovery and problem-solving. Explore new perspectives, uncover hidden possibilities, and transform challenges into powerful narratives.

This course offers a unique opportunity to learn the playwriting techniques I developed during my MFA-level studies at Carnegie Mellon University's Dramatic Writing program. I've combined those foundational principles with practical professional tips and insights gained from years of experience in the theater, film, and television industries.

By diligently completing the course – including readings and exercises – you'll acquire the essential tools to become a confident short-form playwright. You'll learn how to:

• Master Short Play Structure: Understand the building blocks of a captivating short play.
• Harness Writing Formulas: Utilize proven techniques to create impactful scenes.
• Develop Dynamic Dialogue: Craft believable and engaging conversations.
• Manage Character Expectations: Create compelling and relatable characters.
• Control Audience Engagement: Keep your audience hooked from beginning to end.
• Build Rising Tension: Master the art of suspense and dramatic pacing.
• Avoid Clichés: Write original and fresh stories.
• Understand Stage Play Format: Learn proper formatting for professional submissions.

Through hands-on practice, you'll cultivate your own unique writing style and artistic voice. Upon completion, you'll have:

1. A Completed Ten-Minute Play: A tangible demonstration of your newfound skills.
2. A Strong Foundation for Full-Length Playwriting: The knowledge and confidence to begin crafting a longer work, suitable for seeking notoriety, influencing audiences, mastering advanced play structure, applying for residencies, or submitting to short playwriting competitions.

This course is dedicated to the memory of my inspiring playwriting mentor, Milan Stitt (February 9, 1941 – March 12, 2009). (The Runner Stumbles).