This course will focus on the tools and craft of playwriting — how to write dialogue, shape characters, create scenes and structure whole plays. Through reading, writing and discussion the class will seek practical application of the concepts we explore. In brief, this is a writing workshop — where the practice of playwriting begins not with brilliance, but by finding the time and space and presence of mind to write. This class will require additional meetings to be scheduled during the semester for group work, writing instruction and other activities. These times will be flexible, but the class does require that students have some time available for such meetings, as well as time for extensive reading.