undergraduate
Playwriting and screenwriting
Best schools with playwriting and screenwriting
What is a playwriting and screenwriting major?
Playwriting and screenwriting programs focus on the principles and techniques for communicating dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the composition of creative written works for the theatre, film, and/or television. This includes instruction in creative writing craft, scene writing, script development, stage and/or camera instructions, line and moment analysis, script reading, script editing, and the creation of full productions.
of students said great professors were a highlight of this major.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said balancing many projects & deadlines was a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do playwriting and screenwriting majors make?
This data isn't currently reported, but we're working on it!
How popular is playwriting and screenwriting as a major?
Each year, around 310 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 10 students obtain an associate degree in playwriting and screenwriting. In 2021, 335 students received a bachelor's degree and fewer than 5 students received an associate degree. This is 3% fewer playwriting and screenwriting majors than there were in 2020. Playwriting and screenwriting is a relatively uncommon major within English.
Advice from playwriting and screenwriting majors
Share your experienceMy advice would be to really dig into the practice in the field in an early age. Be open but protective about your work. Find people to trust and network with passion but caution. Most importantly, be proud of your work and allow your voice to shine through. Your voice within your work is very important and it'll be what makes you stand out.
Don't be afraid to be creative when writing a play. Playwriting is all about imagination and getting the audience to see what you see and feel what you feel. Don't be discouraged by harsh screenwriting professors, they are just trying to prepare you for the harsh reality of writing a screenplay for a person/company. You need to be able to take harsh criticism. Starting over and writing several drafts will happen again and again. Remember to run your ideas/work through your friends. Collaboration is extremely helpful, especially when writing a long play or screenplay. You need to be able to work well with others and take their opinions into consideration. Also, be sure to hold your ground if you are really sure of your work.
Be yourself and be creative! Don't let the story world intimate you, because you will get the hang of it.
Networking is integral, as is developing strong friendships with classmates. Write a lot but also discover what other hobbies you have that interest you. Don't let professors overstep in your work, but also take their advice as it is valuable. Write about what you believe in, and always think about how it will translate onscreen.
