So you want to be a playwright Course at Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge School, Saturday September 9th 2006.

The Course
An introductory course for anyone who wants to try their hand at writing for the stage.  This course is designed to take you through aspects of how the stage space works, creating character, writing dialogue and developing dramatic action.  The day will be very practical and will offer you the opportunity to try out ideas in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.  

Who should attend
The course is for anyone who wants to try their hand at writing for the stage.
It is open to all people aged 17+.

What to Bring
Please bring pen and paper.

Tutors
Tutors Peppy Barlow and Sally Wilden are both experienced playwrights and works shop leaders.  Peppy’s play The Sutton Hoo Mob had a sell out tour with Eastern Angles this spring and Sally has two productions scheduled for London later in the year.

Venue
The Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge School, Burkitt Road, Woodbridge is a wonderful new theatre venue, opened in 2006.  Car parking is available on site.

Lunch
Lunch, tea and coffee will be provided.  If you have special dietary requirements, please indicate these on the form provided.

Cost
The cost for the day, including lunch, is £15.00

Booking
To book a place on the course, please fill out the attached booking form and return to Nicky Corbett, Arts Department, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Melton Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1AU




Course Outline


9.30  ARRIVE AND COFFEE

10.00 Morning Session 1

Introductions
Course leaders and participants introduce themselves and say what they would like to gain from the course.

Creating a dramatic space
Introducing the idea of stage space and working with it.

Building a character  
Choosing from a range of props, pieces of clothing, photographs, news stories, single words, lines from a piece of dialogue,  participants will be asked to develop a character. They will be asked to write a brief monologue which will introduce us to the character and give us a glimpse of their internal world.  Particular attention will be given to the characters emotional landscape and their likely motivation in any given situation.

11.15  COFFEE BREAK

• Morning Session 2

Developing dramatic action
Participants  will be asked to work in twos and threes to create a short scene which involves their characters.  The scene should show the different motives and intentions of their characters and the incompatibilities and conflicts arising from this.

1.00  LUNCH

2.00 Afternoon Session

Presentation of dramatic scenario
Participants will present their short scenes.  Participants and leaders will give comment and feedback.

Practical aspects of writing
Script layout. Presentation.  Where to go from here.  Questions and answers.


4.30 CLOSE OF COURSE