Creative Scriptwriting is designed for the student who is interested in the process of bringing a story to life on stage or film. This 30-week class is an exciting journey down a creative and dramatic path.

The course is designed to explore the art and craft of dramatic writing with a particular focus on the process. Students learn to write plays by writing plays. The primary goal of the course is to encourage students to write quickly, fluidly, and fearlessly. Students will write a play, a scene or other assignment every week. Our emphasis is on experimentation and process. This will include creative brainstorming, inspiration/research, developing characters, generating stories, intentional use of language, plus analysis and revision.

The course will introduce the traditional approach to theatre which is rooted in character and narrative structure, with emphasis on a play’s arc through its beginning, turning point, and ending. In-class exercises will allow students to experience trusting first instincts, and encourage students to write both visually and concretely. Each week’s assignment will introduce another element of the craft, including developing dialogue, revealing action, the power of the unspoken word, etc. Work will be read in class and the group will provide each other with constructive feedback. Rewriting and editing follow this feedback.

Level 1 students will focus on creative writing first semester, producing several original stories throughout the term based on a variety of prompts. Second semester will be devoted to turning one of those original stories into a polished 10-minute play.

Level 2 students build upon what they have learned the previous year. First semester is dedicated to writing and polishing a 10-minute play that will be entered into a Play Writing competition in January. Second semester will focus on writing scripts for short films.

The year will conclude with public readings of your student’s final projects - a fun night for everyone!

Class homework assignments: Moderate- regular weekly writing, plays and other assignments, readings in class

Wednesday

Time: 10:45-12:15
Grades: 6-12
Cost: $400
Supply Fee: $100
Tutor: Debbie Vaughn