Distinguished Playwright Scene Program

3 units · Undergraduate

Fall and Spring: 3 units This scene study course offers an immersive exploration of one renowned playwright's contributions to the contemporary theatre landscape. Through close collaboration with the instructor, students engage deeply with selected scenes from across the playwright's body of work, critically analyzing and thoughtfully rehearsing a curated selection. Throughout the semester, students collectively develop a 90-minute staged program, fostering skills in textual interpretation, ensemble collaboration, and performance preparation. The course culminates with a public presentation of the developed compilation at a professional downtown Pittsburgh venue, produced in partnership with the CMU Center for New Work Development, providing students with practical experience in mounting polished theatrical work for a live audience. During the week of the performance, the distinguished playwright will visit CMU School of Drama to engage with the students on their work. This fall's distinguished playwright is Lauren Gunderson.