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Course

Middle School: Screenwriting

THEA-90009

If you dream of trying your hand at screenwriting, this course will show you the techniques you need for success, from structuring a script to creating compelling characters and dialogue.

 

We will dissect scripts from popular films to find out what makes a good story and an engaging screenplay. Using the free platform Writer’s Duet, students will learn the accepted way to format a script. They will also gain an understanding of how to structure a screenplay and construct scenes with compelling characters, settings, dialogue and conflict. Through a variety of writing activities, students will sharpen their screenwriting skills. Finally, they will bring together everything they have learned as they storyboard, write and edit their own scripts. 

 

What you'll learn

  • Practice using proven techniques for crafting a successful script.
  • Practice formatting a script using Writer’s Duet, a free formatting website.
  • Discover how to use scene headings, subheadings, extensions, dual dialogue, slug lines, transitions and parentheticals.
  • Learn to establish characters, settings, stakes and a central conflict.
  • Explore how to structure a script by introducing an inciting incident, creating a confrontation and then resolving storylines.
  • Gain an understanding of how to create compelling characters as protagonists and antagonists.
  • Analyze how to structure an effective scene.
  • Practice writing dialogue that feels natural, reveals character, and advances the story.
  • Put this new knowledge to work by storyboarding, writing, and editing scripts

Course Information

Live Online
1.50 units
$175.00

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Course sessions

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Section ID:

188833

Class type:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 5/31/2025
  • 1st meeting mandatory
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No UCSD parking permit required
  • No visitors permitted

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
7/21/2025 Mon 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7/22/2025 Tue 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7/23/2025 Wed 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7/24/2025 Thu 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
7/25/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
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Instructor: Samantha Turret

Samantha Turret
Samantha Turret is a transplant from New Jersey and New York City who found her way to sunny Los Angeles. She is an actress, voice actor and teacher best known for cohosting Nickelodeon's “Top Elf” alongside the one and only Santa Claus. She has also worked on shows on MTV, A&E, Discovery and Lifetime. As a voice actor, she can be heard on commercials and podcasts, and as the narrator of popular children's audiobooks such as “Pearl the Magical Unicorn” and “Rivals! Frenemies Who Changed the World.” Samantha loves live theater and has performed throughout the country in regional productions, off-Broadway and in schools with Story Pirates. She has taught theater and creative writing in New York, New Jersey and California for the past eight years. Currently she teaches with Story Pirates, Mainstages, JCC Westside and Theatre 31. Samantha brings patience, energy and pure joy into every classroom and theater She can't wait to work with more amazing young performers!
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