The Magic of Playwriting

This course challenges the assumption that talent cannot be taught. What we call “talent” is more likely a set of skills that may not be teachable but can be developed. During class, we discover a point of view, sharpen our creative torque, exercise focus, and listen to our subconscious. We also employ craft to make more potent our vision for a particular play. We interpret feedback from our peers in order to expand and adjust our material. Using techniques learned from great world dramatists, we rigorously edit and revise. All the while, we remember that there is a certain ineffable quality to every great play—something in its craft that remains a mystery. The objective of this course is to make the most of what can be developed or learned while retaining the magic of our work. This class meets once a week.