In the Playwriting Department, students embark on an intensive investigation of the literary process. Young writers develop specific skills regarding voice-style and range, and experiment with a variety of dramatic, lyrical and prosaic forms. They will further refine their craft through reading and writing projects in small seminars, and engage with the work of their peers through critiques and collaborations. Post-secondary schools that offer creative writing and playwriting include: Bard College, Bennington College, Eugene-Lang College, Sarah Lawrence College, Wellesley College and New York University.

 

The courses described below are typical arts offerings. Not every course is offered every year, and course descriptions may change.

 

Playwriting students begin by learning to observe the world as playwrights and ultimately write one-act plays. Areas of study include creating settings, building characters, and constructing scenarios. Each component of the class is reinforced by in-class and at-home exercises and by deep readings of several masterworks.

 

As well as continually writing in-class and at home, students are introduced to literary devices—the “tricks of the trade”—and learn the terms and theories all good writers must know. Revising, editing and submitting work for publication are emphasized. Students become finer poets, shrewder readers and helpful critics to their classmates and fellow writers. The Poetry Workshop is eligible for college credit from Adelphi University.

 

Digital Media Track (for visual arts, writing and film majors)  

 

Students are introduced to the digital skills required of the professional artist in the 21st century. In a workshop environment, they will learn to create, present and distribute multimedia, with a focus on shooting and editing video, producing podcasts and creating websites. Projects connect with and support each student’s area of artistic interest.

 

The intermediate course extends topics students explored in the introductory class, with an emphasis on student projects and marketing.

 

Advanced students move on to more challenging production subjects, including multi-track recording, sound reinforcement for live music ensembles, sound design for film and video, and use of the “green screen.” They also have the opportunity to explore motion graphics and special effects.