This course was created from my book materials "Anatomy of Playwriting". It was conceived as a "theory to practical application" course. This is done by learning specific craft tools. We do this through a structured, step by step, empirical process that is precise. Unlike other courses which weigh you down with theory or offer a series of excercises without direction, this course gives you the theory, the tool, the rule, and the excercise to put it into practice. The excercises are designed so that a play is the result at the end of each focused area. The course is broken up into four segments of 10 weeks each.

   In the first section we start with setting, then move on to character, then structure. We will also cover dialogue and simple plotting. During this section you will learn an approach to backstory and where you can get source material from. We will use these sources to create our plays. Ten weeks, five plays. Tangible results. Nothing wastes.

   In the second section we deepen our understanding of plot by learning an approach to story board. We introduce the theory of triangulation. You learn how to build an initial conflict and complication. We introduce sequencing into the structure and the theory of linking. Unlike part one, in this section the student chooses the material for the one act play. During this section you will write a thirty to fifty page play.

   In the third section we will concentrate on character type and trait and their relationship to plot. We introduce the theory of plot weaving. The use of sub plots to further the main plot is introduced. Next is the relationship of theme, major and minor dramatic question, and super objective to the plot. During this ten week semester, you will have created a fifty five to eighty five page, non-intermission play draft.

   And in the fourth section we will concentrate on advanced plot weaving, how to sequence within a scene, how to sequence within the act with scenes, and how to sequence acts. In this section you will also learn how to "think in three acts, but write in two"; how to write hooks, hooks within a scene connected with unusual complication, and act ending or curtain hooks that pose questions to the audience. At the end of this ten week semester you will have an eighty to one hundred and twenty page, full length play draft with intermission. The student chooses the subject matter of this play. If you take all four semesters, you will have five short plays, a one act play draft, a non-intermission play draft, and a full length play draft for your portfolio.

   The semesters are sequential. You must start with the first and proceed from there. Under no circumstances can you pick and choose. Each course is seperate and the student has no obligation financially to pursue any of the other parts of this program. Students who successfully complete the training program will be invited into the virtual writer's and actor's Lab. See the Lab for details.

   We hope to see you in class. For times and dates, check the class schedule page. And of course, if you are close enough (you be the judge) we would love to have you join us in person for the "flesh and blood" version of class at either Hudson Talent Management in Nyack, New York, or at the Rhinebeck Arts Center, in Rhinebeck , New York. If you need directions to either location, just click here to get them.

   Writers...this whole site was built with you in mind. Everything we do here is for the benefit of the playwright. We are attempting to build a community of writers that is vibrant, alive, and very interactive. We have put at your disposal a pool of highly trained and talented actors to read and perform your works. In addition, we've incorparated some features to the website that should make it easier, and more fun to build a community. We use voice chat on a number of the pages here. We hope you take advantage of this free service to meet often.

   If you've made it this far, I think you deserve some sort of something...so here it is. In fact, here's two of it. My free, monthly tips for writers. And by the way, if any actors are reading this, there's also a little something for you on the actors page.

   So, as I was saying, each month I will give you writers a couple of freebies. One of them will be the "rule of the month", and the other will be the "tip of the month." Great titles huh? I made them up myself.

I will be teaching Playwriting classes for adults and teens

in the SUSSEX- MIDDLETOWN-PORT JERVIS-MILFORD AREAS call for information 845-754-7508