9781137369192

Writing for theatre is a unique art form, different even from other kinds of scriptwriting. Making theatre is a truly collaborative process which can be a tricky aspect to grasp when starting out. This book will take you on a journey from the origins of theatre to what it means to write for the stage today. It includes a series of interviews with writers, directors and dramaturgs, all of whom are making theatre now, providing an unrivalled glimpse into the world of contemporary theatre making. Kim Wiltshire explores the foundations, traits and skills necessary for playwriting alongside the creative possibilities of writing theatre in the digital age. Each part of the book ends with a series of exercises which students of the craft can use to practise their art and stretch their creativity.

Kim Wiltshire is a playwright and fiction writer, and is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Edge Hill University, UK.

Introduction
Collaboration
Critical Engagement
What is writing for theatre?
On A Practical Note
Using This Book
A Collaborative Approach to Writing About Playwriting
Role definitions
PART 1: FOUNDATIONS
1. A Brief History of Theatre for Playwrights
Ancient Theatre
Medieval Theatre
The Renaissance
The Seventeenth Century to the Twentieth Century
2. The Cultures of Writing for Theatre – Innovators
Innovators of the past
Nineteenth Century Innovators
Twentieth Century Innovators
Who else can new playwrights learn from?
3. Establishing Practice
What is theatre for?
Why write for theatre?
4. Becoming a Playwright
Empathy
Ambition/Drive
Humility
Knowing Your Craft
Imagination
Knowing the business of theatre
5. Building Blocks
Subject and Story
Structure
Form
Voice and Style
Building the world
Character and Dialogue
6. Foundational Exercises and Key Points
Exercise 1 – Starting Point
Exercise 2 – Character
Exercise 3 – Character
Exercise 4 – Plotting and Story
Exercise 5 – Location
Exercise 6 – Economy and exploration of Language
Exercise 7 – Performing Work
Exercise 8 – Plotting
Theatre Shapes
Conclusion to Part 1
PART 2: SPECULATIONS
Introduction
7. Exploring Possibilities
Types of theatre
Theatre in the digital age
8. Cultures of Writing for Theatre – Innovators
Bringing Theatre to a new audience
Who can new playwrights learn from?
9. Exploring Practice: Making Theatre in the 21st Century
Changing practice
New Forms of Theatre
Ethnographic, Verbatim and Participant Led Theatre
Dramaturgs and Dramaturgy
10. New Voices, New Forms
Collaboration
Collaborative Writing
Theatre Making
Collaboration with other artists
Collaboration with other art forms
11. Speculative Exercises and Key Points
Exercise 1 – Pitching
Exercise 2 – Awareness
Exercise 3 – Sensory
Exercise 4 – Objects
Exercise 5 – Unblocking
Exercise 6 – Improvise/Devise
Exercise 7 – Art forms
Exercise 8 – Patience
Exercise 9 – Secrets and Lies
Where to go next?
A Final Word of Advice on Social Media
Conclusion

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Writing for Theatre Creative and Critical Approaches

Writing for Theatre Creative and Critical Approaches

1137369191

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

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