TH344-6-FY-CO:
Writing for the Theatre

The details
2023/24
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
30
25 September 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

This is a practical module which aims to introduce students to some of the tools and techniques involved in writing successfully for the theatre. The module will examine the flexibility and variety of theatre as a story-telling medium and will look at some of the many different approaches available to the playwright.

The emphasis will be divided equally between the dramaturgical analysis of plays and the development of students' own skills through practical exercises and assignments. While identifying, exploring and practising certain key dramatic structures will form the backbone of the course, no one 'method' of writing plays will be advocated. Instead students will be encouraged to explore their own interests, and develop their own creative processes.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:

1. To introduce students to some of the tools and techniques involved in writing successfully for the theatre.
2. To develop students' critical understanding of the flexibility and variety of theatre as a story-telling medium
3. To provide students with the conceptual tools of dramaturgical analysis
4. To provide a broad understanding of the different approaches to dramatic structures and playwriting.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able:

1. To understand and analyse the theory and practice of dramatic composition

2. To have a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of tools and techniques available to the playwright

3. To apply a range of approaches to their own writing for the theatre

Module information

Autumn Term

Plays

Hedda Gabler by H. Ibsen 2013-Drama online
Harrogate by Al Smith
nut by debbie tucker green
Short plays: Three More Sleepless Nights by Caryl Churchill;
Time Spent On Trains and The Six-Days World by Elizabeth Kuti

Spring Term

Plays

Faith Healer by Brain Friel
Cuttin’ it by Chalene James
Fleabag -the play Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Death of England by Roy Williams; Clint Dyer
Pomona by Alistair McDowal
Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar

Learning and teaching methods

Anticipated teaching delivery: Weekly 3-hour seminars/workshops

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Short Play (10-15 minutes)    30% 
Coursework   1,000 word Commentary - on any play studied on the module    15% 
Coursework   Short play (15 -20 minutes) Plus 1,000 word reflective commentary     50% 
Practical   Participation    5% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Elizabeth Kuti, email: ejkuti@essex.ac.uk.
Professor Elizabeth Kuti
LiFTS General Office - email liftstt@essex.ac.uk. Telephone 01206 872626

 

Availability
No
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr Christina Papagiannouli
University of South Wales
Research Fellow
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 60 hours, 54 (90%) hours available to students:
6 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies

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