Conflict as a Storytelling Tool: Online Course with Michael Ross Albert – PlayPEN

Conflict is the driving force of dramatic writing. But in the early stages of a new play’s development, writers have a tendency to focus on other storytelling elements, which can disrupt the text’s dramatic momentum and unbalance its structure. In this course, writers will be encouraged to mine their plays for conflict in order to heighten the emotional stakes of their work and mould their writing into rich, dramatically satisfying arcs. 

Emerging and/or mid-career playwrights will learn how to use conflict as a conduit for plot exposition, as a catalyst for character development, and as the engine for a play’s dramatic action. Participants will be invited to share new works in process, and receive feedback with a focus on plot, structure, and high-stakes storytelling.

“Michael introduced me to playwriting concepts I had never heard of before – they are so practical. It was a great sandbox to explore in and try new things.” – Past Participant