London Writers Week: Writing for theatre with Ola Animashawun

This masterclass is run in partnership with the MA Dramatic Writing at Drama Centre London, Central Saint Martins, as part of London Writers Week - an annual celebration of new writing talent in the UK

This course is a unique opportunity to work with Ola Animashawun, associate director of the Royal Court and one of the world’s leading experts on writing for theatre. During the workshop, you’ll develop an idea for an original play using Ola’s new technique of ‘Open Heart Theatre’, and have the opportunity to see it performed during London Writers Week.

Course content

• How to develop an idea for a play
• The craft of good playwriting
• How to develop ideas for work which holds the attention of an audience
• See your work performed by actors during the course
• Explore Ola’s new idea of ‘Open Heart Theatre’
• Practical workshop: create your own piece of theatre, and have the opportunity to see it performed during London Writers Week
• Receive feedback and tailored advice on your work
• Q&A and discussion

PLEASE NOTE: Work created during this masterclass will be considered for selection to be performed on the final day of London Writers Week, if attendees wish to be involved. Only selected works will be performed.

This course is for you if…

• You’re a writer, director, actor or producer and want to learn new techniques in dramatic writing

Course preparation

• Attendees should submit text for a five-minute piece of work, which will be workshopped during the day
• Please email your writing sample to masterclasses.support@theguardian.com one week before the course date. Or, if you sign up less than one week before the course, as soon as you can after you have bought your ticket

Tutor profile

Ola Animashawun is associate director at the Royal Court Theatre, and one of the world’s leading experts on playwriting. He started the Royal Court Theatre’s influential young writers programme, and has over 25 years’ experience in the field of playwriting and script development. Ola is also one of the 10 ‘Masters’ behind the new MA in Dramatic Writing at Central Saint Martins, London.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website