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About the Creator
Piers Torday
Piers Torday is a distinguished author, playwright, and educator from Northumberland, England, renowned for his contributions to children's literature. His passion for writing began early, with his first cartoon featuring a superhero created at the age of seven. As the son of Paul Torday, author of "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," Piers has continued the family legacy of storytelling. His acclaimed works include "The Lost Magician," "The Frozen Sea," "The Last Wild Trilogy," and "There May Be a Castle." Honored with the Guardian Award for Children’s Fiction in 2014, Piers is celebrated for his ability to captivate young readers and inspire them with imaginative and thought-provoking narratives.
Who is this course for
Aspiring Playwrights: Those who are new to writing for the stage and want to learn how to create captivating plays for children and families.
Experienced Writers: Writers looking to expand their skills into the realm of children's theater, aiming to bring their stories to life on stage.
Children's Authors: Authors interested in adapting their work into live performances or exploring a new medium for storytelling.
Educators and Drama Instructors: Teachers and instructors seeking to enhance their understanding of playwriting to create engaging performances for their students.
Theater Enthusiasts: Anyone with a passion for live theater who wants to learn the craft of writing plays specifically for younger audiences.
Overview
In "Playwriting for Children’s Theater," acclaimed children's author and playwright Piers Torday guides you through the process of writing engaging plays for young audiences. Drawing on his experience with best-selling novels like The Last Wild Trilogy and successful stage adaptations such as The Box of Delights and A Christmas Carol, Piers shares his expertise in crafting stories that captivate both children and families. From generating ideas to polishing your script and preparing it for a live performance, this course offers a comprehensive guide to bringing your imaginative tales to life on stage. Whether you're an aspiring playwright or an experienced writer looking to explore new genres, you'll learn how to create memorable characters, develop compelling conflicts, and adapt your work for the theater. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to produce a heart-warming play that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Course Highlights
Introduction to Playwriting for Children
Understand the fundamentals of writing for young audiences and the unique elements that make children's theater engaging and magical.Crafting Compelling Characters
Learn the art of creating characters that resonate with children and families, focusing on character development and the importance of change in your story.Creating Conflict and Drama
Explore how to build tension and excitement in your play, ensuring that your story keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.Adapting Stories for the Stage
Discover how to adapt existing stories or ideas into a stage production, considering the constraints and opportunities of live theater.Writing Effective Dialogue
Master the art of writing dialogue that sounds natural, advances the plot, and reveals character, all while keeping young audiences engaged.