Scriptwriting for Beginners


Plays, movies, and television shows have one thing in common: they start on the page. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, or if you simply want to improve your skills as a writer, this course is a great opportunity for you to learn the basics of scriptwriting and narrative drama.

Throughout the course, you will discover the essential components of storytelling and the techniques that professional writers use to craft engaging and meaningful scripts that resonate with audiences. You will learn how to structure your story to create a well-paced and compelling plot, how to develop memorable characters that audiences can relate to, and how to use dialogue and action to deliver information effectively. 

You’ll experiment with every major scripted genre, from film to podcast, learning what makes each format unique, and mastering structural lessons that apply to all of them. By the end of the course, you’ll have a complete short script, and a plan to make it a fully realized production!

What you will learn:

✔ Experiment with every major scripted genre, from plays to film and podcasts 
✔ Identify what works well on different screens 
✔ Utilize scriptwriting software and correct script formatting for stage and screen 
✔ Create practical yet deeply personal ideas for short scripts              
✔ Track audience expectations               
✔ Undertake rewrites to tighten your script ideas               
✔ Write a complete short script in the genre of your choice with a plan for production           

Next Session

Jan. 13 - Feb. 9, 2025 

Teen and adult sections

VIEW ALL DATES

Tuition

$299

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

Receive expert guidance
Learn from world-class faculty who provide personalized feedback
Learn at your own pace
Explore engaging video content and meaningful instruction
Meet your instructor and classmates
Join an optional weekly class to connect with other artists in real-time
Practice and create
Strengthen your craft over four weeks as you develop creative projects
Find collaborators
Collaborate on your projects—or just for fun—in direct messages and group chats
  • Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
  • Word processing program, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word, that can create PDF files

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Interlochen Online's Learning Experience

World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.

Meet the Faculty

Reina Hardy

Instructor of Creative Writing

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Access Free Resources from Interlochen Online

Experience Interlochen Online with free guides that teach you practical skills in the arts.

The first few pages of the Scriptwriting for Beginners study guide.