Program Overview

Introduction to Writing Stories for Performance

The Writing Stories for Performance course is a short, intensive program designed for both beginners and experienced writers. It focuses on the techniques involved in writing scripts for performance, exploring the similarities and differences between playwriting and screenwriting.

Course Details

• Level of Study: Short course
• Course Fee: ｣185
• Start Date: 20 August 2026
• Duration: Two days, Thursday and Friday, 10 am - 4 pm
• Study Mode: Part-time
• Campus: City Campus

What You'll Study

This course covers various skills and writing styles needed to effectively bring a story from page to performance. Key areas of study include:

• Exploring the power of playwriting and screenwriting as visual literary mediums
• Adapting other forms of writing (poems, short stories, novels) into performed art
• Developing strong, realistic, and believable characters
• Considering what makes a successful script for the contemporary market
• Receiving advice and feedback on your work in a supportive environment
• Learning how to prepare your work for submission to competitions, theatres, and production companies

Breakdown of Course Content

The course content includes:

• Bringing your story to life
• Creating your world through dialogue
• The power of the monologue
• From page to performance
• Looking at subjects, topics, and themes that inspire you to write
• Creating characters that audiences can connect with
• Selecting the most appropriate visual or audio form for your story
• The art of realistic dialogue
• Examining the importance of beats and pauses in dialogue
• Developing a short story or poem into a performed monologue
• Creating a good pitch, including an effective logline
• Discussing opportunities for producing your own work

How You're Taught

The course is delivered in person on the Nottingham Trent University city campus. You will receive guidance and feedback in a supportive seminar environment, engaging in classroom discussions, critiques, and practical writing exercises. The course includes 10 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.

Tutor Profile

The course tutor, Tina Jay, is an award-winning playwright with experience in teaching creative writing. She has won the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing and the International Student Playscript Competition.

Careers and Employability

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge. These credentials are secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud, and they can be shared online with potential employers.

Campus and Facilities

The course is based in the School of Social Sciences on the City Campus. You will have access to modern teaching spaces, quiet study environments, and the university library. You will also be invited to join the Writing, Reading, and Pleasure program.

Entry Requirements

• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Entry Requirement: No previous experience is required
• Age Requirement: You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course

Fees and Funding

• Course Fee: ｣185
• The fee covers the cost of studies and includes benefits such as the use of the university library and IT equipment
• Accommodation can be booked separately for a week-long summer course, costing ｣266 per week

What to Bring

You should bring your preferred materials for writing (pen and notebook or laptop) and any notes, ideas, or examples of previous writing. Pre-course reading is optional, with recommended texts including "Into The Woods" by John Yorke and "The Idea" by Erik Bork.