Course Description:
This seminar is not only for drama queens and kings,, but also for anyone interested in the link between written and spoken words in general as well as composing and performing dialogues in specific. By examining excerpts from plays, sitcoms, and dramadies, we will explore possibilities for transforming stories into dramatic scenarios. In the following sessions, we will experiment with creative writing techniques that will help you craft dialogues for your own dramatic scenario. The seminar will consist of group peer-editing sessions as well as individual appointments to support you during the creative process. Of course, drama is meant to be performed. Therefore, at the end of the semester, you will be expected to translate your dramatic scenarios into a final mini-performance, e.g. on stage, as street theater, or in sitcom/dramedy format.
Course Objectives:
* refining genre-specific descriptive writing techniques and developing a personal literary style
* broadening critical reading skills and cultural literacy
* developing a feeling for nuances in language (register, connotations, denotations)
* enhancing pronunciation, paralanguage as well verbal and nonverbal communication skills
* experimenting with creativity techniques
* engaging in cooperative learning and peer-editing
* overcoming pagefright and stagefright
- Teacher: Maryann Henck