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Suitable for
Beginners, 18+
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Dates
Tuesday 1st September – Friday 4th September 2026
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Tuition
Full-time
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Location
Downside Road, Bristol
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Cost
£470
Overview
Immerse yourself in a dynamic 4-day Introduction to Playwriting course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, designed to ignite your creativity and hone your writing skills.
This course provides a comprehensive foundation in the essentials of playwriting, from developing dramatic action and characters to crafting dialogue and structure. Through collaborative workshops, insightful discussions, and practical exercises, participants will generate new ideas, refine their writing, and experience the thrill of hearing their work performed by professional actors. Secure your spot for an inspiring journey into the world of playwriting.
Who’s it for?
The Introduction to Playwriting short course is designed as a fast-paced introduction to the craft of writing for live performance. Whether you’ve already had a go at writing a play or you are just looking to build the confidence to put pen to paper, this course can support you in your development as a writer.
Our environment
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions. Our School is a world leader in drama writing training, and the support available from your tutors will help you develop your natural talents and confidence in playwriting.
Highlights
➔ Gain grounding in the fundamentals of playwriting: dramatic action, character, dialogue, location and structure;
➔ Develop ideas by looking at the world around you for inspiration and participating in group exercises and discussions;
➔ Learn about the collaborative process of bringing a performance to life and listen to your writing be performed by acting students at a round-table reading;
➔ Nurture your skills and build your confidence in a group setting with support from course tutors and other students.
Day Outline
Day 1: Fundamentals of Playwriting
➔ Introduction to dramatic action, character, dialogue, location, and structure
➔ Exercises to draw on personal experience and memory for inspiration
➔ Techniques for observing the world to generate original play ideas
➔ Begin brainstorming and sketching initial concepts
Day 2: Developing Ideas
➔ Group workshops to expand and refine play ideas
➔ Explore the scope of your concept for a short play or longer excerpt
➔ Rapid writing exercises to develop dialogue, scenes, and character arcs
➔ Peer discussions to share ideas and receive feedback
➔ Homework: draft a short scene or excerpt
Day 3: Refinement and Editing
➔ Focus on structure, character development, and dialogue refinement
➔ One-to-one tutor guidance for polishing your scene
➔ Collaborative exercises to tighten dramatic action and pacing
➔ Prepare your excerpt for performance in the final day’s reading
➔ Optional overnight homework: finalize excerpt for table read
Day 4: Table Read and Feedback
➔ Morning: Round-table reading of all participants’ excerpts with BOVTS actors
➔ Feedback on how your writing translates to performance, character voice, and dramatic impact
➔ Discussion of professional development in playwriting and collaborative theatre practice
➔ Reflection on next steps: further writing, submitting to festivals, or creating a portfolio
Course leader
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Short Courses Refund Policy
If you wish to cancel your place on the course, you will receive a full refund if you notify the school at least 7 days prior to the start of the course. For cancellations, contact [email protected]
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Short Course Cancellation Policy
We will make all reasonable efforts to deliver a short course as outlined on our site and in any brochure or published material. However, we reserve the right to cancel a short course in case of events outside our control or if the course fails to meet a minimum number of participants. In the event that we cancel a course, we will inform participants who have booked a place via email at least 7 days prior to the start date. We will also provide a full refund of the course fee paid. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School cannot be held responsible for any expenses you incur due to such a cancellation.
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Who Can Apply
➔ Aspiring playwrights with a passion for storytelling.
➔ Writers looking to transition into playwriting from other forms.
➔ Theatre enthusiasts interested in understanding the playwriting process.
➔ Students and practitioners seeking to develop and refine their playwriting skills.
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Why Join This Course?
➔ Gain a solid foundation in the fundamentals of playwriting.
➔ Explore and develop new ideas through collaborative and supportive workshops.
➔ Understand the professional development process of creating a new production.
➔ Experience the invaluable opportunity of having your work performed by professional actors.
➔ Enhance your writing skills and confidence through practical exercises and constructive feedback.
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Is this course for me?
This course is a fast-paced introduction to the craft of writing plays and suitable for those with an existing interest in theatre and writing for live performance. You may have had a go at writing a play already, or just be looking for the confidence to put pen to paper in a supportive environment. If you want to write lots, share ideas, learn in a group setting and hear from professionals and actors in training on the craft of writing for theatre, this course will be a perfect fit.
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What do I need to bring?
A notebook, a pen or a laptop – whatever you would like to write on.
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What are the course dates?
First Day: Tuesday 1st September
Last Day: Friday 4th September
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