Playwriting I

(3 Credits)

Students will concentrate on characterization, dialogue, and structure with an emphasis on identifying the stakes, turning points, climax and resolution of the drama. The course builds to an exploration of theatricality and how the use of physical action, props, movement, sound, and light are primary to the creation of a dramatic work for the stage. This is a writing seminar in which each student will write and workshop a ten-minute play and a one act play. In addition, there will be reading assignments of dramatic texts, primarily from contemporary playwrights, which will be discussed throughout the semester.