Creative Writing for Film and Theater
A course by Gina Stevensen , Scriptwriter, Actor, and Dramaturge
Learn the basics of scriptwriting for stage or screen, exploring everything from character development, plot, and dialogue to metaphors and symbolism
From raw human emotion to relatable universal experiences, films and plays mirror the essence of what it means to walk this earth. Screenwriter, actor, and dramaturge Gina Stevensen has dedicated an entire career to crafting purposeful, character-centered narratives that capture the depth of reality on stage and on screen. A self-proclaimed rule follower with a free spirit, Gina embraces the rhythm of story structure to pave the way for authentic, unbridled expression—an approach that has earned her numerous recognitions such as the 2021 Kernodle New Play Award.
In this online course, grasp the fundamentals of scriptwriting and then veer off the beaten path to express your stories the way only you can. Explore practical structures to develop your characters, plot, and dialogue, later unleashing your imagination with metaphors and symbolism. Put your stories in the spotlight with scripts that speak to any audience.
What will you learn in this online course?
13 lessons & 29 downloads
- 98% positive reviews (65)
- 3,976 students
- 13 lessons (2h 16m)
- 29 additional resources (16 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish (Latam), French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Write a short, two-character scene for stage or screen using any topic you’re passionate about.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone with a story to tell, from complete beginners to seasoned writers.
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge is required.
As for materials, all you need is a place to jot down your ideas and flesh out your script, whether it’s a computer or a notebook and pencil.
Reviews
Gina Stevensen
A course by Gina Stevensen
Gina Stevensen is a scriptwriter, actor, and writing instructor passionate about creating meaningful and character-driven narratives for theater and film. After exploring the world of the performing arts in her early years, she went on to study theater at NYU Tisch and playwriting at Columbia University. She has developed numerous performance pieces that have graced stages all across the US and England while simultaneously navigating the world of film with projects for HBO Max, BMW, and more.
Gina was the 2021 winner of the Kernodle New Play Award and the 2020 winner of the New Works Initiative. Her TV pilot “Summerland” was a finalist at the 2021 Big Apple Film Festival, as well as a semifinalist at the 2021 NYC International Screenplay Contest and the Reno-Tahoe Screenplay Contest. She has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of Arkansas, NYU, and Hunter College, and has taught screenwriting workshops in collaboration with The Writer's Rock, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, and more.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
The Fundamentals of Stage and Screenwriting
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The Central Dramatic Question
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Characters and Plot
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Sharpening the Dialogue
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Using the Imagination: Metaphors
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U3
Writing the Script
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Choosing the Form
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Your Connection with the Story
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Developing the Primary Characters
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Exploring Through Dialogue
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U4
Bringing the Script to Life
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Rewriting and Rehearsal 1
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Rewriting and Rehearsal 2
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Ideas for Sharing
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FP
Final project
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Creative Writing for Film and Theater
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this playwriting course is designed for intermediate writers who have some foundational experience and want to deepen their skills in dramatic writing, character development, and advanced narrative techniques.
The course covers playwriting fundamentals, script development, magical realism, double casting, character creation, dialogue, dramatic structure, rewriting, and submitting plays to festivals, with a focus on both stage and screen storytelling.
Some basic experience in theater or screenwriting is recommended, as the course builds on foundational concepts and explores intermediate to advanced techniques.
You’ll learn how to develop original scripts, craft multidimensional characters, use magical realism, create authentic dialogue, structure compelling plots, and revise your work for submission to festivals or producers.
The course offers process-oriented strategies, freewriting exercises, and tips for maintaining motivation, helping you build productive writing habits and navigate creative obstacles.
Yes, the course provides guidance on preparing and submitting your plays to festivals and platforms, including best practices for tailoring materials and tracking submissions.
Absolutely. The course includes exercises for crafting distinct character voices, using subtext, and creating authentic, dynamic dialogue for both stage and screen.
O presente curso é sensacional! Apesar de ainda não estar trabalhando no ramo, mas o fato de amar storytelling e os conhecimentos acerca dos conteúdos propostos pela roteirista, são de suma essenciais para quem deseja mais tarde mudar de ramo para dentro deste universo significativamente. Recomendo quem ama escrever, quem ama a arte de teatro, cinema, séries e novelas em geral.
I love this course (and I've taken plenty). This is a course where/when you get the best of both worlds (in this case, it's the difference between film and stage and explained clearly). I'm happy to see where my artistic journey will be next.
Achei muito bom pra iniciantes, bem explicado e com ferramentas boas.
cool
Thank u