Introduction to Playwriting

What is a play? Why do writers choose such a form? What differentiates the language of action required by the stage from other narrative forms? What counts as a “playwright” anyway? We’ll ask questions about playwriting and contemporary American theatre all semester and experiment with our own writing for the stage in diverse theatrical genres. Guest artists, attendance at local theatrical events, in-class exercises and outside-of-class readings of student work will be integral to the class structure. The supports students at any level to create short works that will lay the groundwork for further writing and exploration. NOTE: Though there is a creative writing course prerequisite, this can be waived for students with theatre experience. Email instructor Jen Plants at plants@wisc.edu with enrollment questions.