CRWT 4354.

001 CREATING PLAY, (Movie, and Television) SCRIPTS

(JO 4.312)

Syllabus: Spring, 2006 Fridays, 12:30pm – 3:15pm

Instructor: Gary D. Swaim E-Mail: gswaim2@comcast.net
Office Hours: By Appointment Telephone: (972) 650-1197

REQUIRED TEXTS

30 Ten-Minute Plays for 3 Actors, Michael Bigelow Dixon, Editor

30 Ten-Minute Plays for 4, 5, and 6 Actors, Michael Bigelow Dixon, Editor
The Art of Dramatic Writing, Lajos Egri and Gilbert Miller
The Playwright’s Process, Learning the Craft from Today’s Dramatists,
Buzz McLaughlin

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will focus on the creation of plays, specifically 10-20 minute plays
(though opportunities will exist for the creation of longer one-act plays). The
short 10-minute play is a very “hot commodity” in today’s theatrical venues and
will afford interesting introductions to the playwriting process for students new to
theatre. A prerequisite for this course is CRWT 3307 (Creating Short
Stories).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

CRWT 4354 will require of its members (1) a fairly expansive range of writing
exercises, both in class and out of class. Additionally, (2) each course member
will participate in the analyses of plays read from contemporary playwrights,
considering characterization, plot, dialogue, theatricality, and other elements
important to a play’s success. Because this course will be conducted as a
seminar/workshop, (3) each member of our group will also critique his/her
colleagues’ writing, with constructive directness (typewritten). The major
component of the workshop will involve (4) each workshop member’s creating
either two 10-20 minute plays or one complete one-act play (45-60 minutes).
The aim of these plays should be readiness for competition: from staged
readings to productions. Also, (5) each member will be involved in a table
reading of his/her work(s). Specific guidelines will be provided for each
assignment.

No previous playwriting experience is required. All potential writers, actors, and

directors are welcome. “The play is the thing.”
 Swaim 2

Important note: each workshop member must provide typewritten

copies of his/her script (for all “workshoppers,” including myself). For
your own convenience, consider acquiring a copy of Final Draft
software for the formatting of your play. Optional, but very helpful.

GRADING POLICY

• Writing exercises and written/verbal critiques will constitute 40%

of a workshop member’s grade.

• The completed two short plays or completed one-act play will

constitute 60% of a seminar member’s grade.

[Each workshop member should be certain that his/her work

is submitted by the date requested.]

OTHER POLICIES

1. We are here to assist one another. This is not a competition! To this

end, each workshop member should strive to be both direct and
constructive in his/her critiquing efforts. If something written by a
colleague doesn’t work for you, be prepared to discuss constructively
why it doesn’t work.
2. Do not embarrass yourself or me by a lack of preparation for your
workshop (e.g., reading assignments, critiques, or other duties).
3. Get involved in workshop discussions. Challenge yourself, your
colleagues, and me with your thinking. We are all, in the highest
educational tradition, learners together.
4. Have some fun! . . . while you work!
 Swaim 3

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Subject to Change as Required

Jan. 13
TAODW pp. vi. – 31
TPP pp. 11- -- 41
Introduction to Workshop
In-Workshop Writing Exercise/Critiques

20 TAODW pp. 32 – 86
TPP pp. 42 – 68
In-Workshop Writing Exercises/Critiques

27 TAODW pp. 87 – 124

TPP pp. 69 – 112
In-Workshop Writing Exercises/Critiques

Feb. 3 TAODW pp. 125 – 229

TPP pp. 113 – 163
In-Workshop Writing Exercise/Critiques

10 TAODW pp. 230 – 297

TPP pp. 164 – 278
In-Workshop Writing Exercise/Critiques

17 In-Workshop Writing Exercise/Critiques

1st 10-20 Minute or One-Act Play Due
(copies for colleagues and me)

24 Table Reading of Plays (with critiques due)

Mar. 3 Table Reading of Plays (with critiques due)

10 (SPRING BREAK, MARCH 6-11)

17 Table Reading of Plays (with critiques due)

24 Table Reading of Plays (with critiques due)

31 Table Reading of Plays (with critiques due)

2nd 10-20 Minute Play Due
(copies for colleagues and me)
 Swaim 4

Apr. 7 Table Reading of New Plays (with critiques due)

14 Table Reading of New Plays (with critiques due)

21 Table Reading of New Plays (with critiques due)

28 Table Reading of New Plays (with critiques due)

This Is During the Final Exam Week

Villanelle by Gary Swaim (staged reading of a full-length play in

process at the Dallas Hub Theater in Deep Ellum, 2809 Canton St. –
Tuesday evening, April 25, 2006 at 7 p.m.
No Admission Charge but Seating Limited
Call 214-749-7010 for Reservations

Web Site for Gary Swaim

http://www.garyswaim.com