THEA 204C: Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate/Advanced

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 72
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 18
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: THEA 204B.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A further exploration of the skills developed in Stage and Screenwriting 204 A and B. Focus is on writing Act III of a full-length play or screenplay and creating a dramatic story with a fully realized beginning, middle and end. 54 lecture hours, 18 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Objectively track plot structure as it navigates through the original text from beginning to end.
  • Continue to analyze and adjust the working relationship between plot and character in original work.
  • Continue to analyze and adjust the progression of obstacles.
  • Continue to analyze and adjust the progression of dramatic tension.
  • Continue to analyze and adjust how the story is progressing through believable dialogue.
  • Further enrich character depth.

Major Course Content

  1. Use Stage and Screenwriting terminology and concepts with greater clarity.
  2. Explore 'consequences' of character actions and choices.
    1. If characters had made different choices, how would the story be affected?
  3. Build upon Plot and other forms of Dramatic Progression.
    1. Clarify and adjust the 'A' 'B' 'C' storyline towards resolution
    2. Conflict resolution
    3. Changes in character point of view
  4. Combine Rising Action, Climax and Crisis with Denouement.
  5. Plays and Screenplays - full-length
  6. Continue to clarify believable dialogue that is 'speakable'.

Lab Content

  1. Observing live performances
  2. Observing filmed performances focusing on the progression from Act I - Act III.
  3. Maintaining an in-class written journal focusing on script changes and progression.
  4. Writing exercises with specific focus on scenes from original work for changes or clarity.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Act III of a full-length play or screenplay including dialogue, stage directions, act breaks and character breakdown is required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

reading the text observing various films journal writing with focus on script changes and progression formatting their Act III of a full-length play or screenplay

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab