Creative Writing- Drama Edition: Playwriting for Ages 10-13

[Note on Student Ages: Students 10 and up are welcome to join us, as long as students are enthusiastic about writing, able to sustain focus for ninety minutes, and comfortable reading and writing at at least a 5th grade level, regardless of current year in school. We will have a lot of fun in this class, but it is best suited for students who are passionate storytellers and able to self-motivate. Additionally, 13-year-olds who already have a strong background in theatre and/or creative writing may thrive in the 14-18 level course instead. Please feel free to send me a message if you're unsure which level is most appropriate for your young playwright]

Over the course of 8 weeks, students will meet once per week for ninety minutes. Students will learn fundamentals of dramatic storytelling and build confidence in writing for the stage. This class is ideal for young writers and aspiring actors who are ready to gain a deeper understanding of the play-making process. 

Through writing exercises, class discussion, and reading aloud, students will explore elements of story including plot, dialog, character, structure, and theme. Students will practice focusing their ideas and writing plays that are activated, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Students will practice text analysis skills, gain tools for editing and rewriting, and practice methods of giving and receiving helpful feedback. 

During the duration of the course, students will write and revise one 5-minute play and one 10-minute play. We will be discussing opportunities and contests for young writers- some of which students may choose to submit their scripts to, with parent permission. We will also brainstorm ways that students can create their own opportunities and make theatre happen in their communities. 
The course will culminate in a "staged reading" of student work, via Zoom. This will be recorded for students to share with their families and friends. 

The schedule will tentatively look something like this-

Week 1- Introductions, Facilitated discussion of theatre and storytelling, lesson on dramatic structure, in-class writing exercise

Week 2- In-class writing prompt, reading a short play aloud, applying prior week's lesson on structure to the material we are reading

Week 3- Sharing homework assignments, lesson on elements of story (character, dialog, setting, theme), in-class writing exercise

Week 4- Reading short play aloud, identifying elements and discussion of how they work to communicate story, working on 5-minute plays

Week 5- Lesson on ways of giving helpful artistic feedback (using the Lerman Method), sharing and responding to 5-minute plays, in class writing exercise

Week 6- Sharing and responding to homework assignment, working on 10-minute plays

Week 7- Sharing and responding to in-progress 10-minute plays, lesson on revision and rewriting, discussion on opportunities for young playwrights

Week 8- Recording "staged readings" of 10 minute plays