Writing for Performance

Course description:
Writing for Performance enables participants to initiate, develop and present a piece of creative writing for performance. Whether you're interested in playwriting, dramatic monologues, solo live art, verbatim theatre, performance-lectures, or other forms of text-based performance, you will gain new skills through writing workshops, critical discussions of set readings, and group activities. You will be led by an experienced theatre practitioner who will provide expert guidance, intellectual and creative rigour, and a mutually supportive environment in which to enhance your craft as a writer for performance. You will also deepen your skills in initiating, developing, and presenting your writing to an audience.

Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module, students can expect to have acquired:
• A knowledge of creative writing for performance in a range of traditional and experimental forms
• A critical and practical understanding of the structure and form of plays and performance texts
• An ability to identify creative strategies in texts of contemporary performance
• Knowledge on how to employ creative writing to respond to a continuously changing world
• The capability to identify and respond to topical issues in contemporary culture through writing and performance

Assessments:
The course assessments are not compulsory, however, if you wish to transfer credit for this course to your home university it is essential to complete the assignments.

Portfolio: 3,500-word portfolio

Preparation:
Before you arrive on campus, it is advised that you familiarise yourself with the course content before it begins. You will be given instructions for accessing our Virtual Learning Environment (QMplus) before you arrive on campus.

Teaching:
The course is taught in two two-hour sessions per day (10.00 - 12.00 and 13.00 - 15.00), held Monday to Thursday each week.