Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Loading
Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
This is the complete lecture note for THA207 Fundamentals of Playwriting. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course title : Fundamentals of Playwriting Course code : THA 207 Course units: 2 Series 1: Introduction to Playwriting and Dramatic Foundations 1.1 Introduction to Playwriting ▪ Meaning of playwriting ▪ Purpose and scope of playwriting ▪ Playwriting in theatre and screen 1.2 Fundamental Concepts in Drama • 1.2.1 Meaning of drama and dramatic structure • 1.2.2 Elements of drama • 1.2.3 Relationship between story and drama 1.3 Core Components of Dramatic Expression • 1.3.1 Plot and scenario in drama • 1.3.2 Setting and narrative techniques • 1.3.3 Overview of characterization and dialogue INTRODUCTION Playwriting is a creative and structured process through which stories are transformed into dramatic works for performance on stage or screen. It involves not only imagination but also an understanding of how dramatic elements such as plot, character, and dialogue work together to communicate meaning effectively. As a learner, developing a foundation in playwriting will enable you to appreciate how scripts are crafted and how ideas are shaped into performable texts. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the fundamentals of playwriting, explore the basic concepts of drama, and examine the core components that form the foundation of dramatic expression.
la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS We shall commence this Series by introducing the concept of playwriting, its purpose, and its relevance in theatre and screen production. Next, we will examine fundamental concepts in drama, including its structure and key elements. Subsequently, we will explore core components such as plot, setting, narrative techniques, characterization, and dialogue, which form the basis for writing effective dramatic texts. Series learning outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define playwriting and explain its purpose in theatre and screen production, SLO 1.2 describe the fundamental concepts and structure of drama, SLO 1.3 analyse the relationship between story and dramatic expression, SLO 1.4 explain the concepts of plot and scenario in playwriting, SLO 1.5 describe the role of setting and narrative techniques in drama, and SLO 1.6 identify the basic features of characterisation and dialogue in playwriting. 1.1 Introduction To Playwriting 1.1.1 meaning of playwriting Playwriting is the creative process of composing scripts intended for performance. The term playwriting refers to the art and technique of writing dramatic texts that are meant to be performed by actors on stage or screen. It involves transforming ideas, stories, and experiences into structured dramatic form using dialogue, action, and stage directions. A playwright must consider how the audience will perceive the performance, making playwriting both a literary and performative activity. Understanding playwriting is the first step towards developing skills in dramatic writing. Fill in the blank: Playwriting is the art of writing ___ for performance.
la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Figure 1.1 Playwriting process 1.1.2 purpose and scope of playwriting Playwriting serves several important purposes in theatre and media. The term purpose of playwriting refers to the reasons why plays are written, such as entertainment, education, cultural expression, and social commentary. The scope of playwriting extends beyond stage drama to include film, television, and digital media. This means that playwrights must adapt their writing to different formats and audiences. Playwriting is therefore both creative and functional, addressing artistic and societal needs. Fill in the blank: One purpose of playwriting is ___ expression.
la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Table 1.1 Purpose and scope of playwriting 1.1.3 playwriting in theatre and screen Playwriting differs slightly depending on the medium of performance. In theatre, scripts are written with live performance in mind, focusing on stage directions, dialogue, and audience interaction. In contrast, screenwriting involves visual storytelling, camera techniques, and editing. The term screenwriting refers to writing scripts specifically for film and television productions. Understanding these differences helps you adapt your writing to different performance contexts. Fill in the blank: Screenwriting is used for ___ and television.
la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Figure 1.2 Theatre vs screenwriting Pilot questions 1.1 1. Playwriting refers to: A. Acting B. Writing scripts for performance C. Singing D. Directing 2. Playwriting is both: A. Technical only B. Literary and performative
la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS C. Silent D. Mechanical 3. One purpose of playwriting is: A. Silence B. Cultural expression C. Numbers D. Isolation 4. Screenwriting is used for: A. Stage only B. Film and television C. Music D. Dance 5. Theatre playwriting focuses on: A. Camera B. Live performance C. Editing D. Animation
la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2 Core Components Of Dramatic Expression 1.3.1 plot and scenario in drama In playwriting, ideas are developed into structured sequences of events. The term plot refers to the organised sequence of events that form the backbone of a dramatic work. It includes the introduction, development, climax, and resolution of the story. Closely related to plot is the concept of scenario, which refers to the outline or framework of events upon which a play is built. It serves as a guide for developing the full dramatic script. Understanding plot and scenario helps you organise your ideas into a clear and engaging dramatic structure. Fill in the blank: A scenario is an ___ of events in a play. Figure 1.5 Plot and scenario
This is the opening of the note. Read the full note or download the PDF to continue.
