• To develop mastery of fundamental dramatic writing techniques while encouraging experimental approaches across traditional and emerging performance mediums.
• To foster deep introspection into character psychology and human conflict as the foundation for effective dramatic narratives.
• To explore the unique demands and creative possibilities of different performance formats, from intimate theatrical spaces to digital interactive media.
• To cultivate collaborative creative practices that honor both individual artistic vision and the collective nature of performance.
- Visual Storytelling & Narrative Engines: Analyzing structure and prop-driven tension without dialogue.
- Character Dynamics & Social Ecosystems: Exploring internal versus external conflict and character growth and transformations.
- Dialogue Design & Architecture: Dissecting text versus subtext under high-stakes narrative pressure.
- The Anatomy of a Scene & Specific Beats: Structuring the micro-units of drama, pacing behavioral moments, and establishing physical confrontation within a scene.
- Medium-Specific Writing (Stage vs. Screen): Adapting dramatic pacing to fit physical stage constraints versus cinematic screenplay formatting styles.
- Audio Drama & Acoustic Worlds: Crafting geographic space, tension, and romantic chemistry exclusively through sound design and vocal performance.
- Advanced Structure & Omission: Managing complex chronological entry points and structural minimalism.
- Experimental Writing & Interactive Narratives: Investigating contemporary non-linear structural models and digital platforms.
- Collaborative Script Review: Developing constructive peer review capabilities, scene table reads, and professional practices.
This course consists of in-person teaching (including lectures, classroom activities, small group discussions, viewing of performances, rehearsals, design meetings, and live performances) within weekly three-hour classes, plus additional rehearsals and performances, in the spring semester. Every student is expected to read the assigned Shakespeare plays, and sThe sessions will consist of interactive lectures, scene writing workshops, script formatting tutorials, live screenings, collaborative table readings, and peer-led constructive evaluation sessions.
Form of Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Participation (15%): Assessed via the instructor's observation of active engagement in class discussions, creative writing activities, and peer-review workshops.
- Mid-term Assessment (25%): Submission of the first draft of an original dramatic writing piece.
- Final Assessment (35%): Submission of the final polished draft of the dramatic writing piece.
- Critical Reflection (25%): A written analytical essay evaluating the creative choices made, the forms used, and the structural evolution of your script across the term.
Screenplays & Stage Plays:
- Albee, Edward. The Zoo Story (Stage Play)
- Baumbach, Noah. Frances Ha
- Bong, Joon-ho. Parasite
- Chazelle, Damien. Whiplash
- Garland, Alex. Never Let Me Go (Screenplay, based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro)
- Gerwig, Greta. Lady Bird / Little Women
- Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll’s House (Stage Play)
- Inárritu, Alejandro G. Birdman
- Jonze, Spike. Her
- Kaufman, Charlie. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Lanthimos, Yorgos. The Favourite
- Letts, Tracy. August: Osage County (Stage Play / Screenplay)
- Logan, John. Red (Stage Play)
- Lu, Lulu. The Farewell
- Miyazaki, Hayao. Spirited Away
- Peele, Jordan. Get Out
- Schulman, Tom. Dead Poets Society (Screenplay)
- Shanley, John Patrick. Doubt (Stage Play / Screenplay)
- del Toro, Guillermo. The Shape of Water
- Waller-Bridge, Phoebe. Fleabag (TV Script)
Audio Drama & Podcasts:
- 36 Questions
- Meet Cute Originals