Teaching Playwriting ― Creativity in Practice

Despite strong evidence that playwriting is both an engaging and rewarding activity for young people, it is still under-utilised in the classroom. Teaching Playwriting is an essential resource for teachers wanting to gain the skills and confidence necessary to introduce playwriting to their students.

Based on rich research and clearly explained theoretical concepts, the author explores the lessons from creativity theory that will provide the teacher with the skills and knowledge necessary to empower students' writing and creativity.

Exploring key concepts in playwriting such as idea, dialogue, character, action and structure, the book will enable teachers to respond to the unique learning needs of their students and help them tell their stories and reach their potential as young playwrights.

Dr Paul Gardiner is a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney, where he also teaches courses in drama, pedagogy and creativity. He is researching the practice of playwriting pedagogy in secondary schools and is particularly interested in the interconnected concepts of knowledge, creativity, agency and engagement. Paul Gardiner is an experienced Drama and English teacher, having taught in secondary schools for 17 years and led a successful drama department before embarking on his doctoral studies. He was a Senior Marker for the Scriptwriting component of the NSW HSC Drama examination and is a member of the NSW HSC Drama examination committee. He has also written a number of plays, one of which have been shortlisted for Playwriting Australia's National Script workshop and another is in preparation for production.