If you have ever wanted to write for the stage, Playwriting 101 will teach you the fundamentals of stage craft - AND help get your play up and running.
Every week you'll meet for informative lectures, writing exercises and discussions about your work.
You'll learn the language of theatre from a pro.
You'll explore how to structure a story for a play, how to develop your characters, build an imaginary world and discover the story engine that drives everything.
As part of the course, you'll be working on your play ideas and can expect to leave with a significant piece of completed work. Gary is a generous tutor who will guide you through the process and give you friendly, insightful feedback.
NB: Numbers are strictly limited to 12 participants.
Your Tutor - Gary Henderson
Gary is an award-winning New Zealand playwright , dramaturg, director and theatre writing teacher whose work is produced and published locally and internationally . He has taught courses at Unitec, AUT, Auckland University, and the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University.
His most recent premiere was his acclaimed sci-fi thriller “Shepherd” at the Court Theatre in 2015. He has written his latest new play The “Breath of Silence” for the Court Theatre and adaptation “Things That Matter” for Auckland Theatre Company – opening August 2021. (Download Full Bio HERE)
"I learned everything I know about writing plays from Gary - his teaching is clear and so practical. In fact my lastest play "The Campervan" was born during one of his classes." Kathryn Burnett ( Mike & Virginia, Bowled Over, The Campervan.)
How This Course Works:
Over 8 weeks Gary Henderson delivers a weekly two hour class at 7pm via Zoom. (Recordings will available if you have to miss one - or just want to review the session.)
Course Schedule:
The language of theatre and finding a story
Characters - the other way of making people!
Conflict - the duel, the engine of your story
Building it so it won’t fall down - story, plot, structure
Going live - action and dialogue
It’s perfect - now make it better. Facing the second draft
Say it without saying it: exposition and subtext
Building your world and getting it on in the real one
7pm every Monday night for 8 weeks. (Starting 28 June)
Who is this workshop for?
Aspiring playwrights who want to learn how to write for the stage.
Aspiring playwrights who have an play idea but aren't sure how to start.
Newer playwrights looking to up-skill.
Writers who want to explore writing for the stage.
Participants leave this course with know-how, completed work and the confidence to complete their play!
