This module enables you to undertake a sustained piece of creative work in the form of an original short play. Initially, you will be asked to present a 'treatment' and then you will develop a first draft under the supervision of the module tutor, from which a short extract will be presented at the Scratch Night. The feedback you will receive as a result of your work being performed in front of an audience will allow you to further develop your play. This will result in a final play-script that can then be submitted for assessment.

A SCRIPT weighted at 80% [Learning Outcomes 1,2 ]
This script will have a running time of between 30 minutes and 45 minutes with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 characters.

A IND PRESENTATION (rehearsed reading) weighted at 20% [Learning Outcomes 2,3]
This will take the format of a Scratch Night where you will facilitate a performed reading of a representative 15 minute extract of your piece in front of an invited audience and assesors.

The first half of the module will involve you in tutorials and workshops on the theory and practice of playwriting. You will examine and explore notions of action, dialogue, character, structure, genre and dramatic devices through the study of published play-texts and practical exercises. You will also be required to undertake research in relation to the subject or theme of your play.

You will then have a number of supervisory tutorials, either personally or via distance learning, which will help you develop your ideas and writing skills.

Along with the other students on the module, you will be responsible for the planning, presentation and delivery of a Scratch Night, when a rehearsed reading of your work will take place.

After the scratch-night and feedback from your tutors and student peers, you will be expected to critically reflect upon your text and work independently to further develop or revise your play, taking into account any criticism and advice that you may have received.

Submission of a sample of original script - 200 words of dialogue.

Blackboard
IT Software
Library
Drama studios

Ayckbourn, A. (2004). The Crafty Art of Playmaking. London: Faber and Faber
Edgar, D. (2009). How Plays Work. London: Nick Hern Books
Fountain, T. (2007). So You Want to be a Playwright? London: Nick Hern Books
Gooch, S. (2004). Writing a Play. London: A&C Black.
Waters, S (2010) The Secret Life of Plays. London: Nick Hern Books
Wood, D. (2007). Theatre for Children: A guide to Writing, Adapting, Directing and Acting. London: Faber and Faber.