dates
Module 1: 10th June - 26th July 2025
Module 2: 16th September - 14th October 2025
what's the course about?
The course offers an introduction to some of the skills and techniques needed to write for theatre, as well as insights into the new writing industry in the UK and the process of moving a play from the page to the stage. Over the duration of the course, students will:
Learn how good plays are constructed through various exercises and discussions:
Study existing texts
Begin work on a play of their own
See their work performed by actors
Receive one-to-one feedback on their progress
Gain an understanding of the business of being a playwright
what experience do I need?
None - all that's required is an enthusiasm for plays and playwriting. The course is perfect for total beginners, unperformed playwrights at the start of their careers, and those who have professional writing experience in other mediums.
what's covered in the course?
Some of the topics we'll look at are:
Who are you writing for? Genre, playwriting fashions, and the outlets for a new play.
Constructing a narrative. The building blocks of structure.
What makes a scene? Economy, subtext and internal dynamics.
Style, rhythm and tone. Writing in a range of linguistic modes.
Character. Writing vivid three-dimensional characters.
Learning from the best. Study and analysis of classic plays.
who is teaching the course?
Mark Burgess
The course tutor is playwright and actor Mark Burgess. Having trained at the Guildford School of Acting, Mark made his West End debut in the award-winning play 'Another Country' at the Queen's Theatre. In 1986, Mark was cast as Gordon Collins in Channel 4's 'Brookside', a part he played for four years in nearly 150 episodes.
As a writer his plays include: Casting Shadows (2002). Einstein in Cromer, with David Suchet in the title role (2004). From Father with Love, on Ian Fleming's relationship with his son Caspar. Sam O'Bedlam (2006). The Wrong Hero, A King's Speech, on Lionel Logue and George VI (2009)(Radio 4). Tales from Tate Modern, BBC Radio 4 Short Story (2010). Two Halves Of Guinness Stage Play (2011). Eel Pie Island short story BBC radio 4 (2012). The Only Way, a one-act play to commemorate Bedford Modern School's 10 years of co-education, starring Chris Edge and Elsa Keep (2013). With Wings as Eagles, a play celebrating 250 years of Bedford Modern School, starring Gregor Copeland.
course information
Course Structure
The course is structured to allow time for students to write and rehearse.
Module 1 - Writing the Play
Tuesday 10th June 7pm - 10pm
Sunday 15th June 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 17th June 7pm - 10pm
Tuesday 24th June 7pm - 10pm
Tuesday 1st July 7pm - 10pm
Tuesday 8th July 7pm - 10pm
Tuesday 15th July 7pm - 10pm
Tuesday 22nd July 7pm - 10pm
Sunday 26th July 10am – 4pm
27th July to 8th September - Writing the 2nd Draft. The deadline for 2nd Draft submission is 8th September.
Module 2 - Working with Actors
Tuesday 16th September 7pm – 10pm
Tuesday 23rd September 7pm – 10pm
Tuesday 30th September 7pm – 10pm
Final draft must be submitted by Monday 6th October, with a short synopsis and biography for the programme.
Staged Readings
Sunday 12th October: The Lantern Theatre @ ACT Brighton.
Rehearsals 10am - 6pm. Each playwright has a 1 hour rehearsal slot for basic blocking with the actors.
Show starts at 7.30pm.
Feedback Session
Tuesday 14th October 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Total Course Hours = 55 plus ongoing support by email.
Course Fees: £425.00 Deposit: £125.00
The Academy Of Creative Training reserves the right to alter the advertised course and course content.