Play-building: Ways to Begin Writing for the Stage

How might a writer begin to approach the process of constructing a play? What sets apart playwriting as a form from other creative writing genres? Put another way, what makes a play a play? Through a range of exploratory exercises as well as dissection and discussion of texts, participants will begin shaping and assembling the building blocks of a play, and along the way discover and/or refine their personal process as writers - from drafting to crafting to lifting text off the page so it may find its place in the wider world. 

Writers who are beginning to study the dramatic form and are aspiring to tell stories for the stage. You need not have prior experience of writing for the stage. However, it would be advantageous for you to have knowledge of or have experience engaging the theatrical form (as audience, enthusiast, performer, producer, creator etc).

• Schedule:
  • Session 1: Sunday, 4 Oct, 2pm - 5pm
  • Session 2: Sunday, 11 Oct, 2pm - 5pm
  • Session 3: Sunday, 25 Oct, 2pm - 5pm
  • Session 4: Sunday, 1 Nov, 2pm - 5pm
  • Session 5: Sunday, 15 Nov, 2pm - 5pm
  • Session 6: Sunday, 22 Nov, 2pm - 5pm
  • Session 7: Saturday, 28 Nov, 2pm - 5pm
  • Session 8: Sunday, 29 Nov, 2pm - 5pm
• Total contact time: 24 hrs
• This course will be conducted in English, and held in person at Centre 42, 42 Waterloo Street.
• Maximum capacity is 12pax.
• The sessions will be conducted using a mix of short presentations, discussions, and breakout group activities. 
• There may be some readings assigned prior to some sessions, and individual and/or group assignment(s) that require you to prepare and work outside of the scheduled sessions. 

Course Outline:

$380/pax 

• Applicants who require financial assistance can write in to us at info@centre42.sg

– Application Period: 1 August - 13 September 2026 –

 To qualify for this course, you must:

• Be aged above 18 years old.
• Have an interest in theatre.
• Be comfortable communicating and writing in English.

To apply: 

• Complete the online application form here.
• Submit by Sunday, 13 September 2026, 11.59PM (UTC+8).
• Confirmation of your spot in the course will be announced by 21 September 2026.
• Successful applicants are to confirm their participation and make fee payment by 25 September 2026.