Introduction to Playwriting
Introduction to Playwriting
This course runs for one evening a week, for six weeks.
Ideal for those looking to learn the basics of playwriting and create an original short play.
Highlights
Develop a 10-minute short play, which will be performed by LAMDA graduates in an informal staged reading.
Learn the fundamentals of playwriting.
Work with LAMDA's Principal & CEO, Mark O'Thomas.
Is this course for me?
Course Level: Mixed
Age Requirement: 18+
This course is most suitable for those with some acting, writing or adjacent experience who are new to playwriting, and total beginners who are interested in playwriting.
Location
In-person at LAMDA
Course Fee
£300
Entry Requirements
No experience required, though you should be willing to actively share and test ideas.
Course Dates
Tuesday evenings from 6pm – 9pm
Tuesday 24 February – Tuesday 31 March 2026
Application Deadline
Tuesday 17 March at 3pm (GMT)
About the course
Develop and stage a complete 10-minute play with this introductory course, designed for anyone new to playwriting.
Over six weeks, you'll work with LAMDA's Principal & CEO, Professor Mark O'Thomas, who will guide you through the process of creating a play. You'll learn the fundamentals of writing for performance, and you'll discover how to identify and craft your story for the stage. This course places an emphasis on writing as being a live, collaborative process, where you'll develop your plays through performance, not just on the page.
The course will culminate in an informal staged reading of the group's completed mini plays in one of LAMDA's performance spaces. This professional-level process offers the opportunity to see your work brought to life in a supported, high-quality environment.
What will I learn?
- Discover how to find and dramatise your idea.
- Learn the fundamentals of playwriting: structure, character and dialogue.
- Explore how to prepare a text for performance.
Meet the Tutor
Professor Mark O'Thomas, Principal & CEO of LAMDA, began his career as a director for BBC network television before going on to work as a script editor at Soho Theatre and a dramaturg for the Royal Court. He has collaborated widely with writers and directors in the UK and internationally, with a focus on new writing and adaptation.
Is this course for me?
No previous experience of playwriting is necessary to take part in this course, but to get the most out of this course, you will have some acting, writing or adjacent experience.
Our expert tutor will adapt to the specific requirements and experience of the cohort, and you can expect to be challenged and supported to ensure that you get the most out of the course.
This is a mixed level course, meaning participants will have a range of experiences.
View all entry requirements, including age and experience level, below.
Key Information
Need to ask a question? View our FAQs or contact our Short Courses Team.
Please note that from time to time we may need to change the advertised tutor due to availability. In these instances, we will always replace the tutor with an alternative LAMDA tutor or associate.
This course is for participants aged 18+. Please note there will be learners of all age groups on this course, and you do not need any specific experience to take part.
In order to train on this course, you should have a level of English that is approximately IELTS 6.0 or equivalent English Language experience.
You can test your level using the Cambridge English Language Assessment or the CEFR’s Self-Assessment Table. B2 Proficiency is roughly equivalent to IELTS 6.0.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Apply for this course through LAMDA directly. We advise you to apply early as places are limited.
Course Fee: £300
Application Fee: None
Payment:
When booking for this course, you will be asked to pay the full course fee upfront. Click 'Book Now' on this page to begin your booking.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and if spaces remain available, you will be offered a place on the course. If you're not eligible for this course, you'll be contacted by our Admissions Team and will be offered a place on another relevant course or refunded the course fee.
Places on this course are offered on a first come, first served basis, and we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to ensure a space on the course.
If you'd like to discuss the course and eligibility criteria with our Admissions Team, please get in touch.
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
Please see below for information about our cancellation / refund policy.
