Playwriting Seminars 2.0: A Handbook on the Art & Craft of

Playwriting Seminars 2.0: A Handbook on the Art & Craft of Dramatic Writing with an Introduction to Screenwriting

Playwriting Seminars is â€œa treasure-trove of information, philosophy, and inspirationâ€ (Theatre Journal), â€œan absolutely essential guide to all aspects of playwriting and a valuable whitewater raft trip down the rapids of Hollywood screenwritingâ€ (Magellan), and â€œa terrific learning environment for writersâ€ (WebCrawler Select). It was also a recommended resource for playwrights at New Dramatists (NYC). The Handbookâ€™s initial concepts came from the authorâ€™s work with Lucasfilm and the BBC. It was originally developed for playwrights and screenwriters, but has since been used by writers of fiction and nonfiction books.
This new edition covers all aspects of writing full-length plays with an expanded treatment of screenwriting for Hollywood and independent film as well as diagrams of key elements of dramatic structure. Playwriting techniques are explained with many examples from classic and contemporary plays performed today by America's regional theatres as well as on Broadway and Off-Broadway.
The 392 page Handbook explains the interconnections between characters and plot and the importance of subtext to character development in the contemporary theatre (what characters donâ€™t tell us matters as much as what they say in dialogue). Key exercises are included for developing â€œvoiceâ€ as a writer and for creating the essential dual plot structure that supports intriguing characters in todayâ€™s theatre. Many professionals in theatre and film are quoted on key parts of the art and craft of playwriting and screenwriting to help explain effective techniques.
Special sections of the Handbook focus on getting inspiration and avoiding writerâ€™s block, editing first drafts, professional script formats for theatre and film (including software), how to launch new scripts, putting together submission packages for theatres and competitions, how to write an effective script synopsis and writerâ€™s bio, working with directors, actors and agents, how to survive audience â€œtalkbacksâ€ following readings and workshop productions, methods to adjust your playwriting skills for screenwriting and television work, and options for making a living at the craft of dramatic writing.

Richard Toscan was Dean of the School of Theatre at the University of Southern California where for many years he taught playwriting and play analysis. His professional work as a producer, story editor, playwright, and judge of new play and screenplay competitions informs his approach to what makes new plays work in the contemporary theatre. He has worked in association with Lucasfilm and noted figures in theatre, film, and television. That experience has led him to stress the importance of developing â€œvoiceâ€ as a playwright and the dual plot structures used by nearly all produced playwrights today. His radio dramas have been broadcast throughout the world by the BBC, NPR, CBC, and ABC. Toscan later taught playwriting and screenwriting while Dean of PSUâ€™s School of Fine & Performing Arts. More recently he was Dean of VCUâ€™s School of the Arts where he founded the Cinema Program.
Country USA
Manufacturer Franz Press
Binding Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate 2011-12-18
Format Kindle eBook

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Franz Press
Binding	Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate	2011-12-18
Format	Kindle eBook

Playwriting Seminars 2.0: A Handbook on the Art & Craft of Dramatic Writing with an Introduction to Screenwriting

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