From the leader of the Criterion New Writing script development programme – a series of workshops delivered live on stage in the heart of the West End – this comprehensive, whole-day workshop will teach you how to plan and structure an entire two-act play — characters, locations, time-period, plot, suspense, twists and clever endings.

You will be encouraged to: write brand new dialogue; devise outlines of scenes; consider overall narrative shape; discuss how to animate important themes with live drama; invent ways to reveal back-story and narrative context; come up with surprise twists, fulfilling reveals and convincing endings.

The day will end with a question-and-answer session where you can raise issues specific to your own writing.

What students need to bring

Notepad and pen, or laptop

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions