Playwriting

The first-year curriculum is taken in collaboration with other theatre studies students and is an immersion into the culture of theatrical production and literature. Coursework includes script analysis, theatre history, and performance to facilitate critical thinking and an experiential understanding of the theatrical process. Students also participate in three crew assignments in various areas of production.

In the second year, students move into the specific playwriting curriculum and explore elements of writing for the stage – beats, obstacle, subtext, and characterization – while working on a series of short plays. Students take coursework in design or technical areas as well as courses in English, literature, and communication. Students can participate in the production season as assistant directors and dramaturgs and participate in workshops of their scripts in our annual Wrights of Spring playwriting festival.

In the third year, students hone their writing skills and explore their individual interest and style though a year-long independent study under the guidance of playwriting faculty. Students also work closely with their peers to explore the collaborative process of developing and staging new works. Students can participate in the production season as assistant directors and dramaturgs and participate in workshops of their scripts in our annual Wrights of Spring playwriting festival. Third-year students traditionally have the opportunity to share their work by participating in readings at professional Chicago theatres.

The fourth year is a transition year, further developing students abilities and preparing students to enter the profession. Students continue to develop more complex scripts through independent study and new play workshops. Coursework also includes various career and networking opportunities. Students can participate in the production season as assistant directors and dramaturgs and participate in workshops of their scripts in our annual Wrights of Spring playwriting festival. Additionally, each graduating playwright receives a realized production of a full-length script in our Studio Series. Graduating playwrights are also eligible for consideration in our New Playwrights Series.

At the end of each year, The Theatre School hosts a Graduate Showcase event to showcase the work of our graduating students. Under the guidance of the faculty, graduating Playwriting students prepare a showcase exhibit of their portfolio—which is presented in Chicago for artistic directors, alumni, and other members of the theatre, film, and television industries.