News Release Archive
News Releases Index FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-09-014
August 15, 2008 Playwriting Class Offers Students Chance to Write and Be Read This fall, students interested in developing original theatrical works, and subsequently having them read and work-shopped by both peers and professionals, are invited to enroll in the College of the Canyons Theatre/English course “Introduction to Playwriting.” Offered to students by both the college’s Theatre and English departments -- meaning students may receive credit for the class in either English or Theatre -- the three-unit course Theatre 230/English 107: Introduction to Playwriting will meet Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. throughout the fall semester in Room 107 of Pico Hall. Featuring classroom discussion and analysis revolving around the composition of a two-act play, the course will also include instruction in story structure, character development and dialogue, while serving as preparation for students interested in submitting their work to regional and national playwriting festivals and contests -- including the College of the Canyons New Works Festival. “This class is going to focus on two things -- getting the script on paper and getting it read by people,” said David Stears, COC Theatre department adjunct instructor, who teaches the course. “So we’ll be spending a lot of time reading and 'work-shopping' the students’ pieces.” The College of the Canyons New Works Festival is a collaboration between the COC English and Theatre departments created to motivate aspiring writers with the opportunity to see their work transmitted from the page to the stage. Though not required, Stears adds that students enrolled in the class will be strongly encouraged to participate in the annual event, which will begin collecting submissions this fall with festival performances slated for the spring. “Scripts are written to be performed, but writers need an opportunity to listen to their words,” said Stears. “Until another person is speaking your text, it’s just literature. But once those words are in the air, they can take on a life of their own.” For more information about the course Theatre 230/English 107: Introduction to Playwriting, please contact Stears at (661) 259-7800, Ext. 26064. | 
