Playwriting Course

Playwriting 1

Griffin's general playwriting course runs one night per week for ten weeks and is suitable for both beginners and those with playwriting experience.  The course covers the basics of writing for the stage: character, plot, structure, dialogue, dramatic action, mood, and tone; the use of image and symbol and the impact of sound, lighting and design. Writers start with the writing of an effective scene and build towards a first draft of a short play.

Advanced Course: Free Adaptation

This course focuses on the writing of an original play loosely based on an existing classic. Writers are given an enduring dramatic work from which they write their own – fresh, relevant and personal - new, full-length play. The idea behind this approach is two-fold. Firstly, it gives the writers a sense of complete creative freedom, along with the security of a failsafe structure. Secondly, through the deep investigation of a classic work, the writers absorb an understanding of how all the elements of drama are effectively employed.

Griffin's playwriting courses will be led by playwright and educator Hilary Bell. Hilary's plays include Wolf Lullaby, Memmie Le Blanc, Shot While Dancing, Eye of the Storm and The Falls. Hilary has taught playwriting and screenwriting in the USA at New York University, The University of the South (Tennessee) and Wesleyan (Connecticut), as well as in high schools around New York and locally at ATYP and for Page to Stage.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Playwriting 1: 16 February - 20 April, Mondays 6:30 - 9:30

Playwriting 2: 20 July - 21 September, Mondays 6:30 - 9:30

Advanced Playwriting 1: 4 May to 6 July, Mondays 6:30 - 9:30

Advanced Playwriting 2: 5 October to 7 December, Mondays 6:30 - 9:30

WHERE: Kings Cross

COST: General course - $480 (limited to 15 participants).  Advanced course - $560  (limited to 12 participants).

FURTHER INFORMATION & TO ENROL: Contact the Griffin office on 9332 1052 or email belinda@griffintheatre.com.au for further information, or download an application form from this page.  Please note, participants in the advanced course require playwriting experience.