Playwriting and the Drama of Real Life with Gavin Kostick

Course Summary

An immersion in practical discussions and exercises for playwriting, with a particular focus on drawing on life experiences to make effective and meaningful work for the public. The course will draw on a range of successful contemporary Irish plays. Each week there will be discussion of the ways in which effective drama can be made and participant will be guided through their impulses and stories, to making good structural choices and work towards drama which resonates and communicates with an audience. This is an encouraging, practical course suitable for writers and potential performers.

Course Outline

Each week has a structured format.

We discuss the ‘play of the week’ which will have been given out the previous week.

This is used to set up a short exercise for all.

In the second half of the class, we look at the work of two or three participants. The aim is that each participant has work read and discussed twice during the course, plus a chance to suggest and discuss a larger work if they have an idea in hand.

One exercise will be set a week. To get the most out of the course I would suggest putting aside at least 5 hours of reading and writing time per week.

Course Outcomes

Participants should gain confidence and enthusiasm for pursuing their own work. They should also have a small portfolio of creative work, plus a clear idea of a larger project to pursue.

Gavin Kostick is an internationally produced, published and award winning playwright. Via Fishamble: The New Play Company and independently he works with a very wide range of playwrights and projects for the theatre.

Booked out? To be added to the waiting list for this course, please email info@irishwriterscentre.ie.