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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.
There are 5 courses available for people who want to become a Playwright.
Possible job outcomes:
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) is designed to cultivate culturally aware actors for international stages and screens. It provides distinctive training encompassing stage, screen, and digital streaming. The course structure facilitates intensive skill training alongside rehearsals and diverse performance opportunities. Students will develop a unique creative methodology and a strong sense of self within their artistic practice. This is achieved through concentrated workshop environments and participation in public productions and showings, preparing them for a dynamic career in acting. .
Average duration: 3 years.
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. .
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 dramatic arts and related fields..
Average duration: 12 months.
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 for secondary-school drama teaching, with additional qualifications..
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 students for a dynamic career in the rapidly expanding creative sector, enhancing their ability to create impactful writings..
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.
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.
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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