DRA 252 - Playwriting

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: General

This course provides an introduction to the craft of playwriting. Students will focus on the fundamentals of writing for the stage including structure, creating characters, writing dialogue, and establishing theme. Coursework includes in-class writing and discussion, writing assignments, and the reading of plays. Attendance at a theatrical performance encouraged.
Prerequisite OR Corequisite: DRA 125
Competencies

Critique traditional dramatic structure.
1. Examine plays with traditional dramatic structure.
2. Break down the effective structural qualities of traditional plays.
Classify non-traditional dramatic structures.
1. Compare non-traditional or stylized plots to traditional ones.
2. Determine potential benefits and drawbacks to non-traditional plots as they effect productions.
Prioritize playwriting elements within a play, or plays.
1. Examine each foundational playwriting element within a given play.
2. Compare & contrast the foundational elements to each other.
3. Justify why certain fundamental playwriting elements deploy greater value in production.
Outline original works.
1. Construct an effective plot that proceeds truthfully to the play’s circumstances.
2. Develop the ability to integrate engaging moments.
Produce examples of effective dialogue.
1. Demonstrate an ability to create dialogue distinct to more than one character.
2. Compose scenes that effectively integrate with plot.
3. Establish consistent use of believable dialogue.
Create fully realized characters.
1. Invent characters who are actively pursuing an objective from scene to scene.
2. Generate a believable arc for a play’s protagonist.
Integrate thematic value into an outline, synopsis, or other sample.
1. Identify topics that ignite curiosity and creativity.
2. Incorporate lessons and/or points of view successfully into a play.
Assess the effectiveness of work submitted in class.
1. Critique the potential of any self-written outlines, samples, and plays in regard to selection or adoption.
2. Show a consistent use of objective and considerate criticism of colleague’s playwriting.
3. Develop an ability to constructively receive feedback.
Evaluate successful contemporaries, and their practices, in professional markets.
1. Point out playwriting tendencies that are widely represented in plays which are receiving productions.
2. Interpret what skills and habits support effective playwriting.
3. Distinguish playwriting trends in various markets.