ATS3057 · Writing for the stage

Overview

In this unit you will be introduced to key concepts of script writing as they operate in a theatrical context. You will encounter traditional strategies of playwriting such as crafting plot, character and dialogue, and also examine how such strategies are challenged in contemporary theatrical practice by approaches such as verbatim theatre, devised theatre, and post-dramatic theatre. By the conclusion of the unit you will create your own theatrical script demonstrating an understanding of the approaches studied. You will work in groups to develop work and participate in performed readings of work created in class. In this unit you will also consider how traditional playwriting strategies can be applied to ‘other stages’, such as the value of crafting a narrative in professional and social settings.

Areas of study: Theatre and Performance

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify traditional strategies of writing for stage such as plot, character and dialogue;
2. apply and reflect upon the creative processes of writing for the stage;
3. creatively apply theatrical writing concepts to create varied performance texts for a range of settings;
4. analyse and discuss theatrical scripts and performance writing.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning and peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.