Creating Original Theater: Playwriting, Directing, and Acting

Designed for students with prior experience in drama who wish to explore the creation of original theatrical works, this course offers an in-depth study of the collaborative process among the actor, director, and playwright. Emphasis is placed on the artistic and interpretive relationships that develop when working with untested material and the ways in which each role contributes to shaping a new work for the stage.

During the first week, students participate in workshops and lectures introducing the principles and challenges of play development. Building on this foundation, students will experience the full cycle of theatrical collaboration twice over the course of the program—each time in a different creative role and with a different ensemble. This rotation allows students to engage with the artistic process from multiple perspectives, deepening their understanding of how actors, directors, and playwrights work together to bring new material to life.

Each collaborative cycle culminates in the creation, rehearsal, and performance of an original short play, developed under the guidance of theatre professionals. Workshop sessions are highly interactive, with works-in-progress shared periodically for feedback in a supportive and thoughtfully critical environment that mirrors professional practice.

The program concludes with a presentation of selected student works for an audience of peers, friends, and family, featuring one evening performance and one matinee on the final Thursday of the session.

This course offers a distinctive opportunity to engage in the rigorous, creative, and collaborative process of new play development—twice—while exploring the interdependence of the actor, director, and playwright. 

Prior experience in amateur community or high school theatre is recommended.