Drama – Playwriting and Script Reading Summer Camp
Do you love stories, but struggle with traditional reading assignments? In this fun and interactive summer camp, we’ll explore exciting, high-interest texts while using creative, project-based learning to build comprehension skills.
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(59)
What's included
5 live meetings
6 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. 3-6 throughout the classCertificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Bring stories to life through drama, dialogue, and performance! Have you ever wanted to write a script, perform a dramatic reading, or create your own dialogue scene? This week, we’ll explore how playwrights and screenwriters use dialogue to tell powerful stories. Students will analyze plays, experiment with scriptwriting, and even act out scenes! ✅ What we’ll do: 🎭 Read and analyze dramatic scripts and plays 🎭 Practice writing engaging, realistic dialogue 🎭 Explore stage directions, monologues, and script formatting 🎭 Work in groups to create an original short play or scene 📌 No acting experience needed! Perfect for readers, writers, and performers alike!
Learning Goals
Improve reading fluency and comprehension through dramatic readingsDevelop storytelling skills by crafting dialogue-driven scenes
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Intro to Playwriting & Dialogue
🔹 What Makes a Play Different from a Story? – The role of dialogue and stage directions.
🔹 Breaking Down a Script – Reading and analyzing a short play scene.
🔹 The Importance of Character Voice – How different characters speak.
🎭 Activity: "Speed Script" – Students write a 1-minute conversation between two characters in a unique setting. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Art of Great Dialogue
🔹 Real vs. Scripted Dialogue – How dialogue in plays differs from real speech.
🔹Pacing & Tension in Conversations – How writers create dramatic impact.
🔹Subtext & Hidden Meaning – Saying one thing but implying another.
✍️ Activity: "Lost in Translation" – Students write a short dialogue where characters misunderstand each other. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Monologues & Expressing Emotion
🔹 What Makes a Great Monologue? – Famous speeches and their impact.
🔹Tone & Emotion in Performance – How delivery affects meaning.
🔹Stage Directions & Acting Cues – How actors interpret scripts.
🎤 Activity: "Write & Perform a Monologue" – Students create and present a one-minute monologue. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Bringing It to Life – Acting & Performance
🔹 How to Read Aloud for Impact – Voice, pacing, and emphasis.
🔹Stage Presence & Confidence – Tips for delivering lines powerfully.
🔹Collaborating with Scene Partners – Practicing scripted dialogue.
🎭 Activity: "Dramatic Read-Aloud" – Students perform a short scene in pairs or small groups. 75 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Parental Guidance
📢 Parental Guidance Statement:
This class involves reading, writing, and performing dramatic scenes. Some materials may include mild dramatic tension (such as conflicts between characters), but all content will be age-appropriate and suitable for a general audience.
Additionally, students will write and perform their own short scripts. While participation is encouraged, students can choose to contribute in ways that feel comfortable, including writing only, reading aloud, or acting.
Supply List
📌 Materials List: 📖 Reading Materials: Short plays or dramatic scripts (provided in class) Sample monologues (links to public domain works will be shared) Optional: A favorite play or screenplay excerpt (if students want to analyze their own selection) 📝 Writing & Creative Supplies: Notebook or digital document for scriptwriting Access to Google Docs (or similar) for collaborative writing A quiet space for reading aloud or performing (optional) 💡 Optional: Simple props or costumes for performance day Access to scriptwriting tools, such as: Google Docs Screenplay Template
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Resources for Drama & Dialogue:
🎭 Short Plays & Monologues: Drama Notebook, Play Scripts for Students
🎭 Script Formatting Tools: Google Docs Scriptwriting Template, WriterDuet (free)
🎭 Performance & Public Speaking Tips: YouTube videos on voice acting & stage presence
Joined August, 2020
4.9
59reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
Hello! I’m Mrs. Runchey, an experienced ELA (English Language Arts) teacher who specializes in inclusive education, reading comprehension, and project-based learning.
👩🏫 My Background:
15+ years of experience teaching middle and high school ELA.
Special focus on neurodivergent learners—I create flexible, engaging, and accessible lessons.
Certified in differentiated instruction and literacy strategies.
Passionate about making reading fun and meaningful for all students!
📖 Why I Created This Course:
I believe that every learner deserves a reading experience that fits their unique strengths. This camp is designed to make reading comprehension fun, creative, and stress-free, while allowing students to express their understanding in ways that work for them.
I can’t wait to meet your learner and explore these exciting stories together! 🚀📚Reviews
Live Group Class
$75
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
75 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class
