Destination: Playwriting Unit Guide

To go along with our new play contest, we are making available a unit on all of the aspects of playwriting.  The lessons will cover the three general techniques for starting the process of writing a play, dramatic structure and the process of writing the play from theme selection through dialogue writing.  Also included is a sample script with accompanying comments highlighting the steps in the process and script format.  This unit is currently in its third edition and we continue to make adjustments to make it better and easier to follow whether working alone or in a workshop.

Lessons Include:

Playwriting: Science or Art?

The Play’s the Thing…But What Is It?

Becoming Structurally Sound.  What are the parts of a story?

What are You Trying to Prove?  Themes are the Key

Who Are The Primary Forces?  The Protagonist and Antagonist

Actions and Their Motives:  What makes your characters do what they do?

The Root Conflict:  What's the problem?

The Backstory:  Why does the protagonist need to succeed?

Cycles of Action: What minor conflicts contribute to the root action?

Scenes and Acts:  How will everything fit together?

Speak the Speech I Pray You.  What Do the Characters Need to Say?

The Rest of the Process.  Now That It’s Written, Write It Again?

Dramatizing Others' Stories:  Can you really do that?

When Words Are Never Enough.  Do Your Characters Need to Sing?

Dramatizing Scripture.  How Can I Make the Bible Fresh and Applicable?

The Third Edition is now available for $15.  The cost of the unit also includes enrollment in our online playwriting workshop.  To find out about upcoming sessions, contact the theatre.

The unit guide can be used for any number of children in the same family.

Destination: Playwriting Contest Guidelines

Playwriting Tips