Foundations of Playwriting

This unit introduces students to the art, craft, and professional life of the playwright and the essential elements that make a play. Students will generate and refine initial ideas, identify dramatic components and theme, and prepare a personal plan that positions them to move into drafting and scene development in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the essential dramatic elements (character, conflict, plot, dialogue, and structure) by citing examples from at least two short plays and explaining their functions
• Apply a variety of idea-generation and brainstorming techniques to produce and document at least three distinct play concepts and select one concept for further development
• Demonstrate understanding of the playwright profession by creating a one-page professional snapshot (goals, typical processes, workplace habits, and career pathways) that reflects ethical and collaborative practices
• Evaluate theme by composing a concise thematic statement for the chosen concept and justifying how proposed characters, conflicts, and plot beats will support that theme