Creative Writing for Film and Theater

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.

Gina begins the course by revealing how her passion for film and theater led to a career as a scriptwriter and performer. Find inspiration by getting to know the writers who have influenced her work.

Take your first step into the world of dramatic writing by going over the fundamentals. Pinpoint the central dramatic question for your idea to unlock your protagonists and plot before going over practical ways to make your dialogue authentic to each character. Then give your creativity free rein as you explore devices like metaphors and symbolism.

Choose a form for your project, whether it’s a play or a film. Connect with your story by identifying why it matters to you and letting your purpose propel the narrative forward. Watch your protagonists come alive as you give them a voice and establish their dynamic through dialogue.

With your draft in hand, go over some practical tips to refine your script. Then you’re ready to share your masterpiece and take your story from the page to the world of film or theater.

Write a short, two-character scene for stage or screen using any topic you’re passionate about.

Anyone with a story to tell, from complete beginners to seasoned writers.

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.