Course Resources Archive

This module aims to replicate the practice of a playwright or radio dramatist. Students will broaden their understanding of the generic possibilities of dramatic writing whilst writing both radio and stage plays. The student will continue to develop skills in dramatic writing through text-based criticism, explore the vocabulary of industry and become aware of institutions and theatres supporting 'new writing'. The student will participate actively in developing their own plays and the plays of others’ in workshop settings.

This module will run weekly, alternating between two-hour developmental workshops and seminars. The seminars in semester one will focus on radio drama-related readings and discussion.  The seminars in semester two will focus on contemporary stage-play readings and discussion of theory. Topics/themes will be chosen from (among others): Writing Experimental Radio Drama; Epic Theatre and the Theatre of Cruelty; Modern British Theatrical trends; Refining Dramatic Convention and technique.

A student passing this module should be able to

1.    research independently in order gather appropriate narrative material for specific audiences.

2.    write relevant plays suitable for production.

3.    understand and apply theories of playwriting and structure.

4.    understand key theatrical movements from the late nineteenth century to the present day and to relate their own work to these contexts.

5.    assimilate knowledge of the creative industry.

6.    collaborate in developmental and team-writing scenarios

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.