Playwriting and Dramaturgy: The Tools

In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of playwriting including inspiration generation, tips for devising, formatting, structure, and writing dialogue. Participants will be supported through the writing of a short play.

You will also learn the fundamentals of dramaturgy including what dramaturgy is, the role of the dramaturg, and how to give and receive dramaturgical feedback. The class will work together to act as dramaturg on professional examples, before acting as dramaturg on each other’s works. 

This course is suitable for people of all experience levels, whether you are new to playwriting, or are an experienced playwright in need of inspiration. 

About the tutor

Heather is a playwright, director, and dramaturg from Australia, living in Belfast. As a playwright she has had seven plays produced across Australia, Ireland, England, and Switzerland.

Her first play, The Book of David was produced in 2015 and went onto be shortlisted for Queensland Theatre's Young Playwright of the Year Award in 2016. In 2020, it was published by Australian Plays Transform. Her professional theatre debut came in 2022 for her play The Initiation of Tommy Wilson which performed to a sold-out season at BackDock Arts in Brisbane.

Since moving to Belfast, she has founded Belfast Playwrights where she produces short play festivals, play readings, and hosts Scribe Writing Group.