Interdisciplinary Arts 0274 - Real Characters, Imagined Events

The primary focus of this intermediate playwriting course is drawing inspiration from historical figures for the construction of original one-act plays. In addition to developing and deepening our craft as playwrights - clarifying dramatic action and creating more dynamic characters - we will deconstruct the work of several contemporary theatre makers including Lin Manuel Miranda, Katori Hall, Moises Kaufman, Charise Castro Smith, and Doug Wright, all of whom write, stage and perform original dramas that are at once comedic, musical and absurd. A large part of our process will involve integrating critical theory and creative practice and developing a vocabulary for the analysis of contemporary drama. Students who are currently working on plays, as well as those starting new dramas, may enroll in this course. Though it is not a prerequisite, some playwriting experience is recommended. (keywords: theatre, playwriting, biography, critical theory, creative practice)

Time and Narrative This course is fully remote. Students in this course can expect to spend 6 to 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time. Playwriting experience is recommended.