Advanced Playwriting: The Thrill of Discovery

DRA4438.01
Course System Home Terms Spring 2027 Advanced Playwriting: The Thrill of Discovery

Course Description

Summary

This class will function like a graduate-level playwriting seminar. Students will bring in ten new pages a week for workshop; everyone will share their new pages each week. By the end of the term, each student will have a completed full-length play ready for submission to development and production opportunities at Bennington and beyond.

Assigned readings will explore the generative process: cultivating inspiration, tapping into the subconscious, pushing through the mid-draft slump, and establishing productive routines. Weekly workshops will be rigorous but supportive, prioritizing forward movement towards a completed draft.

This is a class for students ready to push themselves to the next level in their playwriting craft. Assignments will include weekly pages, written responses, and a final reflective essay. Come ready to discover new characters—new languages—new worlds.

Learning Outcomes

  • Practice generative strategies for new plays
  • Write a full draft in community with other writers
  • Provide feedback and support to other writers
  • Sharpen your individual voice and craft
  • Prepare for future development and production opportunities

Prerequisites

At least one 4000-level playwriting course, or comparable experience.
Please e-mail me (abekoogler@bennington.edu) to express interest by (at the very latest) Friday, November 13th. Preference will be given to 4th and 3rd years. If we have not worked together, I may ask for a writing sample.

Please contact the faculty member : abekoogler@bennington.edu

Instructor

  • Abe Koogler

Day and Time

FR 2:10pm-5:50pm

Delivery Method

Fully in-person

Length of Course

Full Term

Academic Term

Spring 2027

Credits

4

Course Level

4000

Maximum Enrollment

10

Course Frequency

Once a year