an introduction to playwriting

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what's the course about?

The course offers an introduction to some of the skills and techniques needed to write for theatre, as well as insights into the new writing industry in the UK and the process of moving a play from the page to the stage. Over the duration of the course, students will: 

Learn how good plays are constructed through various exercises and discussions:

• Study existing texts

• Begin work on a play of their own

• See their work performed by actors

• Receive one-to-one feedback on their progress

• Gain an understanding of the business of being a playwright

what experience do I need?

None - all that's required is an enthusiasm for plays and playwriting. The course is perfect for total beginners, unperformed playwrights at the start of their careers, and those who have professional writing experience in other mediums.

what's covered in the course?

Some of the topics we'll look at are:

• Who are you writing for? Genre, playwriting fashions, and the outlets for a new play.

• Constructing a narrative. The building blocks of structure.

• What makes a scene? Economy, subtext and internal dynamics.

• Style, rhythm and tone. Writing in a range of linguistic modes.

• Character. Writing vivid three-dimensional characters.

• Learning from the best. Study and analysis of classic plays.

who is teaching the course?

Writer/director Nick Myles attained a Distinction in the Scriptwriting MA at City University, London, since when his work has received acclaimed productions at numerous London venues including The Arcola, Riverside Studios, Greenwich Theatre and the Old Red Lion, as well as the Y Theatre in Leicester and at the Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe Festivals. He has also contributed to the Dark Shadows range of audio dramas, and has written many reviews and articles on theatre, film and music for various websites. In 2014 Nick co-founded The London Playwriting Lab, through which he helped dozens of writers to develop full-length plays over the following three years. In 2017 his show Trouble With Men at the Head’s Head Theatre was praised as “Absolutely outstanding” ( ★★★★★ London Theatre1) and his 2025 Brighton Fringe production Alphabet Rainbow: a Fistful of Queer Plays again received five-star reviews (“Stellar… Heartfelt, sharp and stylish” – Voice Mag UK) prior to a London tour. In 2024 Nick relocated from East London to Brighton, where he lives with two cats and a piano.

course information

Course Structure

The course is structured to allow time for students to write and develop their work, with ongoing email support throughout.

Course Fees: £495.00 Deposit: £125.00

The Academy Of Creative Training reserves the right to alter the advertised course and course content.