Playwriting OpenCourseWare: MIT's Free Bachelor Level Writing Class on Playwriting

Published Feb 12, 2009

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An undergraduate introduction to the art of script writing is offered in 'Playwriting I,' an OpenCourseWare by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This free online course emphasizes solid writing practice habits and teaches students a variety of techniques used in writing for the stage. This course is ideal for those seeking a bachelor's degree in either Theater or Creative Writing.

Playwriting I: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
No Yes No

Playwriting I: Course Description

Aspiring playwrights gain a wealth of skills and development from this OpenCourseWare. Professor Laura Harrington teaches students to actively partake in the script writing process through free exercises and techniques. These exercises involve writing short plays or scenes in which key playwriting elements, such as wants, actions, obstacles and urgency are developed. This OpenCourseWare also hones students' skills in other essential areas of writing for the stage, including scene structure, dialogue and event development.

Professor Harrington stresses a visual and visceral writing approach in order to bring emotion and liveliness into students' work. Examples of plays written by on-campus students are included in this OpenCourseWare.

Nine playwriting exercises, readings, sample plays and a project are included online for free download. Students interested in this course can access these materials via the 'Playwriting I' course home page.

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