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Screenwriter's Lab: The New Method

room of writers
SCRIPT X 463.3E

Learn the techniques of character-driven storytelling using theatrical methods in this workshop, focusing on the most in-demand skills for today's feature and TV writers.

Duration
As few as 10 weeks
Units
3.0
Current Formats
In Person
Live Online
Cost
Starting at $820.00

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What you can learn.

Learn tools to deepen characters and explain plot ideas
Find your unique voice as a writer to enhance your script writing
Learn to apply playwriting skills to the unique format of TV scripts
Watch actors perform your work to see your writing come to life

About This Course

Kemp Powers (playwright and screenwriter, One Night In Miami), Aaron Sorkin (The Trial of the Chicago 7 and The Social Network), and Sheila Callaghan (writer and producer, Shameless) are among countless television and film writers who got their start in the theatre and who continue to work in both disciplines. Agents and producers often read plays with the goal of finding a writer who excels at character-driven storytelling—which is at the heart of theatre. In this course, you learn tools to deepen your characters, expand on new plot ideas, and most importantly, find your unique voice as a writer. You first explore the fundamentals of play construction and writing techniques, writing frequently to master the art and craft of playwriting, culminating in a one-act play or one-act of a play. You then learn to apply your new-found skills to your own film or TV script.

Spring 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Wednesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
407875
Fee:
$820.00
In Personformat icon
UCLA
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Wed Apr 1, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed Apr 8, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed Apr 15, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed Apr 22, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed Apr 29, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed May 6, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed May 13, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed May 20, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed May 27, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278
Discussion
Wed Jun 3, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg. 1278

Summer 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Tuesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
408979
Fee:
$820.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Remote Classroom
Updating...
Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Deadline
Refunds only available from April 27, 2026 to July 05, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Tue Jun 23, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jun 30, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jul 7, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jul 14, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jul 21, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jul 28, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Aug 4, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Aug 11, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Aug 18, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Aug 25, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom