Scriptwriting for Actors
Course overview
Explore techniques for crafting drama for stage, screen and audio, and develop your confidence as a writer. This week-long course is designed for actors looking to expand their creativity, develop writing skills and follow in the footsteps of actors-turned writers such as William Shakespeare, Harold Pinter, Lolita Chakrabarti and Moira Buffini.
You will learn key skills for crafting scripts, including structure, language, and character. Classes will explore the distinct skills needed to write stage monologues and plays, audio drama, TV series, and screenplays.
Please note that this course does not focus on participants' pre-existing personal creative projects. You will be required to write new, original material on this course, and be comfortable with presenting and workshopping material with other participants.
What will I learn on this course?
- Understand the fundamental techniques required for writing drama for the stage, audio drama, and screen.
- Develop your confidence and creativity as a writer.
- Learn how to use your previous acting experience to write effective drama.
Entry requirements
- Selection by application. You must have experience of acting training; please provide evidence of this by attaching your CV to your application. Please see the application form for more information.
- Participants must be over 18 and have fluent, confident use and knowledge of the English language.
Who is this course suitable for?
- Actors wishing to write their own material
- Actors wishing to learn the basics of how to write drama
- Actors wishing to explore their potential as dramatists
- Actors interested in the techniques of writing for stage and film
For any queries about this course, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk
Course information
What are the Terms and Conditions of my booking?
You can read the full Terms and Conditions here.
Will there be anything I need to prepare before the course starts?
There is no preparation to do before the course starts.
Is there any work to do outside of class time?
There will be some reading and writing between classes.
What’s included in the fee?
The fee covers the cost of your tuition for the times advertised above and any materials essential to the course (and not specified here as materials you need to provide yourself). The fee does not include any meals or accommodation.
What materials or equipment do I need?
A notebook and pen, or laptop.
I have a disability or access requirement – can reasonable adjustments be made?
We are able to make reasonable adjustments to our training where possible. Many of our courses are highly practical. Most involve movement and some may include work on the floor. You may also be asked to read from various texts. If you have access requirements and/or require more information on access and facilities in our RADA buildings, please email shortcourses@rada.ac.uk
Are there any funding or payment plans available?
There are no RADA Scholarships available for Short Courses. We cannot offer payment plans, and full payment is required to secure your place on a course.
Can RADA provide accommodation?
We are unable to provide accommodation for RADA Short Courses.
Please note that in the event of cancellation, RADA can accept no liability for any costs you may already have incurred; and we strongly recommend you purchase insurance cover for any travel or accommodation booked before the start of the course.
Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. A Certificate of Completion is available for this course. Certificates are awarded to students who had no unexcused absences or lateness and operated within the obligations laid out in the Terms and Conditions.
Does the course count towards University credits?
There are no University Credits associated with this course.
What is the attendance policy?
Our attendance policy can be read within our Terms and Conditions. 100% attendance and punctuality are expected for all classes.
How do I register for an in-person course?
You will be providing most of the information we need when you fill in your application form or information form.
On the first day of your course, you will be asked to arrive at RADA up to 30 minutes before the start of your first session, and you need to bring a copy of your passport, and, if applicable, evidence of your right to join a short course in the UK.