Playwright Courses
Playwrights craft scripts for theatre performances, including dialogue and stage directions, and often engage in casting and rehearsals.
AI Exposure
High
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Playwright
Get qualified to work as a Playwright with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Estimated fee
From $27,942
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) allows students to express thoughts and feelings through writing, exploring avant-garde, cross-genre, and experimental forms. Students critically engage with contemporary theoretical and philosophical schools of thought, gaining knowledge in areas like fiction, poetry, non-fiction, theatre, and screen. This course nurtures lateral thinking and imagination, skills valuable in sectors like corporate communications, publishing, editing, and marketing. It prepares stude...
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Estimated fee
From $27,942
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Estimated fee
From $28,050
The Bachelor of Performing Arts delves into innovative, self-driven, and collaborative methods of studying, creating, and showcasing contemporary artistic work. This course imparts a comprehensive understanding of performing arts, blending theoretical insights with technical performance skills. It encourages overcoming boundaries through practical exploration, while also addressing the dynamic landscape of modern practices and novel presentation and production techniques.
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Estimated fee
From $28,050
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Estimated fee
From $43,377
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
The Bachelor of Arts (Drama) provides a comprehensive understanding of theatre and screen, from Greek tragedies to modern innovations. Practical workshops focus on techniques such as movement, voice, and improvisation. Students gain insights into various performance styles and histories, critique live performances, and enhance their ability to analyse performance. This course equips students with transferable communication skills, preparing them for roles in the performing arts industry or as a foundation...
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Estimated fee
From $43,377
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
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Estimated fee
From $16,053
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Drama) offers an intensive study, advancing understanding in drama, theatre history, and performance theory. It encourages students to engage critically, develop a refined aesthetic awareness, and respond thoughtfully to theatrical works. The focus is on nurturing advanced communication skills, both written and oral, allowing students to articulate their insights effectively. This honed expertise prepares graduates for future academic or professional pursuits within the dra...
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Estimated fee
From $16,053
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Related career opportunities
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Common questions
How much do Playwrights earn?
There are no clear salary figures for Playwrights in Australia at this time. They earn money from the rent and sale of published plays, royalties, ticketing, and commissioning fees.
What are the job opportunities for Playwrights?
There are no clear employment figures for Playwrights working in Australia right now. They are usually self-employed, much like authors and screenwriters, but may also be commissioned by theatre companies to write a specialist production.
How do I become a Playwright?
Playwrights are outstanding writers and storytellers with an extensive knowledge of theatre acting and live production. You could launch your career with a VET Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services (Live Production Management) or the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing (Scriptwriting).
To gain a much broader skillset that includes acting, stage direction, production, and scriptwriting, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre) and the Master of Theatre (Writing) are excellent choices. You could also try the Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) or Bachelor of Creative Arts (Theatre Arts).
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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More information
Playwrights are specialist writers who write the scripts for plays that are performed at theatre houses, festivals, and live events. They write both the dialogue and stage directions and are often involved during casting and rehearsals.
As a playwright you could be mind-mapping some ideas on a whiteboard, updating your scriptwriting software, meeting with a theatre company to discuss the commissioning of a new play, writing a scene, reviewing dialogue, editing stage directions, rewriting a scene based on feedback from the stage director, or attending live theatre at an overseas playhouse.
To succeed in this role, you’ll need outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to transform thoughts, feelings, body language, and human personality into compelling live performance.
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