Writing for Performance 1 (Solo) (THTR90019)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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In this practice-based subject the student writer undertakes a range of writing classes and exercises with the aim of developing techniques for the generation and structuring of original material for live performance; in working to a brief in diverse professional circumstances; and in evolving an individual creative vision.

Students engage in frequent and fast writing practice using different forms of writing (e.g. narrative driven plot, montage, reaction, dream-writing, comedic, verbatim, poetic metaphor, adaption) and starting from different kinds of stimuli (theme, event, idea, visual image, live observation, character descriptions, imagination, existing play). The length of written pieces will vary from very short to medium length over the course of the subject.

Focus will be given to explorations of form and content, and to new challenges to writing form and content provoked by international and Australian contexts and examples. Students will read and workshop each other’s pieces and from time to time there will be master classes with visiting professional playwrights.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate an ability to write for performance individually and in diverse ways at a high standard;
  • demonstrate the capacity to respond in writing creatively, imaginatively and rigorously to diverse stimuli and by means of diverse processes;
  • demonstrate an advanced understanding of the building blocks of dramatic and other forms of writing for performance;
  • demonstrate the ability to write in new forms;
  • work productively and creatively at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of performing artist environments;
  • demonstrate skills in the gathering and organisation of research materials;
  • effectively document the creative process.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate the capacity to evaluate and synthesise data and other information;
  • demonstrate an ability to access data and other information from a range of sources;
  • demonstrate an advanced ability to discourse on artistic practice in the context of wider aesthetic, social and historical domains;
  • demonstrate an ability to apply relevant research processes to specific cultural practice;
  • demonstrate the ability to communicate in oral and written form;
  • demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking.

Last updated: 4 March 2025