About the Course
The aim of this course is to help you write a full length play that you can submit to agents and producers, should you wish to have it produced professionally. Or you can simply write a play for fun!
Of course, you are under no pressure to finish your play by the end of your course. If you want more time, you can take more time.
At the end of 10 weeks you’ll have extensive play-writing knowledge and expertise. You’ll be able to go on and write further plays that will help your story stand out from the crowd in a hugely competitive marketplace.
No previous writing experience necessary for this course. The sessions are designed to be thought-provoking, entertaining, and fun – using discussion, writing exercises, games, and guest speakers! Your group will be small, friendly and welcoming.
It consists of 10 weekly sessions 1.5 hour sessions, during which we’ll concentrate on the different elements of play-writing:
- The basics: Getting started
- Creating compelling characters
- Structuring your play
- Writing realistic dialogue
- Setting and pace
- Stakes and intrigue
- Learning how to edit your writing
- Troubleshooting your plot holes
- Considering production
- The final script edit
About Zoom
You’ll be able to log into each session 10 minutes early. All participants will have my phone number, so if you have any technical difficulties in joining the meeting, I’ll do my best to help you get connected before it starts. You can discover the basics of using Zoom here
Free taster session
Want to find out more about the course before you buy? You’re welcome to come and join us for a free hour-long taster session on Wednesday 7th September 6pm.
Please email me with your name to book yourself into the free taster session: sarabodinar@gmail.com
To keep the group size small and friendly, spaces are limited. If you miss out this time, you’re welcome to book onto the next free taster sessions: 4th January 2023 or 19th April 2023
About your Course Leader
My name is Sara Bodinar. I’m a full-time professional screenwriter and playwright. I currently give regular workshops at Nottingham Playhouse theatre and for Nottingham Trent University. I am an honorary fellow at the University of Nottingham (School of English) and writer-in-residence at the Nottingham Actors Workshop.
My theatre plays have been produced by various theatre companies, and enjoyed national tours. You can find out more about my plays here, or you can Google me. I am the only person in the world with my name!
Literature and language has always played an important role in my life. I grew up in Cornwall and moved to Nottingham to study languages. I speak several languages, and my great, great, great, great grandfather was William Bodinar, the last ever person to speak Cornish as his native language in the late 1700s!
Course dates and times
Your weekly session will be every Wednesday evening 6pm-7.30 during term time.
The course dates follow the academic year to allow for childcare during the school holidays:
Autumn Term 2022
Total of 10 sessions from 14th September – to 30th November (with a half term break running from 17th October – 28th October.)
Spring Term 2023
Total of 10 sessions from 11th January – to 22nd March (with a half term break running from 13th – 19th February.)
Summer term 2023
Total of 10 sessions from 26th April – to 5th July (with a half term break running from 29th May – 2nd June.)
How to book
I’m currently taking bookings for the Autumn term. If you’d like to book for the Autumn term please email me at sarabodinar@gmail.com
Money back guarantee
I want you to enjoy this course, and find it valuable. If you decide after your first paid session that this course really isn’t for you, I’ll provide a full refund.
You can see more frequently asked questions here.
Please also check out my other courses:
Writing a theatre play in 10 weeks
Boost your income through writing
Afternoon Readers (like a book club for theatre scripts)
Inspired writing for films, media, novels & business 