creative writing project

K. Skwarczek

Engl. 2310: World Lit Fall 2017 creative writing project + final exam

Due Date / Final Exam: Wed., Dec 13 at 4:15 pm (2 hours)

Submission: submit a copy on Blackboard AND bring 4 paper copies to class.*

For this assignment, we are approaching literature from a creative angle. In class, we recently read some very

short plays. Now it’s your turn! The assignment is to write an original short play (due before the final exam

time) and to plan for a performance of the play (during the final exam).

This project has two parts:

Part 1: Write a Short Play. Your play should:  be at least 200 words. That’s about one page. Include word count when you submit.

 be performable (with some help) in 10 minutes or less

 include either 3 or 4 actors. Those are the only options: 3 actors or 4 actors

 involve both dialogue and actions, or dialogue only, or actions only…whatever you’d like! Most plays

use a lot of dialogue, and some action. Write the dialogue in the proper format (name in all caps, etc.)

 include stage directions when necessary

 be something that you can (appropriately) perform in our classroom, for our class.

 consider the possibilities and the limitations of our performance space

 be on any topic you want (keeping in mind the point above). Having trouble finding a topic?

o You can take inspiration from the Parks plays, and try framing what you want to write about as a question. For example, imagine your play being the answer to the question, “what is the afterlife like?”

o You can make your play a “response” to something we’ve read in class, or a re-imagining of it (for example—what happens next in The River Between?)

o You can write a play involving characters and situations you are familiar with. Maybe something happened to you (or someone you know) and you’d like to re-imagine it as a play.

o Find inspiration from people, places, news, stories, memories—anything you encounter.  try to “say” or “do” something. You do not have to have all the answers, but you should be striving

toward making meaning. Is there a conflict? Tension? Is there a problem that should be resolved?

* Submit your play on Blackboard AND bring 4 paper copies to class. (If you submit the Blackboard copy

by noon, I will bring the paper copies for you. That’s 12 pm sharp!)

Part 2: Performance / Participation At the final exam, you should be prepared to DIRECT and PERFORM your play with the help of your

classmates, and at least 2 props. All plays will be performed within your group. Some plays (not all) will be

performed again in front of the class.

For the Final Exam/Performance

 Bring TWO PROPS with you to the final exam.

 As the playwright, director, and actor, think about the meaning and significance of your play. What are

its themes? What do you want your audience to understand or think about when they are watching your

play?

 Consider how would you like your play to be performed. Consider:

o How you’ll use the space of our classroom o How you want your actors to act, speak, and move. What are your actors’ motivations? o The play’s “setting” and how you’ll re-create it o What props you would use, and how

 You have to prepare and perform your play with your group.

 You may be chosen to also perform your play in front of the entire classroom. Be prepared!

 Everyone must participate in the performances of both their own plays and their group members’.

Grade: Your grade depends on the successful completion of both Parts 1 and 2.