playwriting courses?

Hi people, Does anyone know of any playwriting courses in Australia (or via correspondence)? I'm working on the beginnings of my first play and could benefit from a bit of guidance as time comes if anyone has been on this path before... Thanks! abb

Hi Abb, This is the one run through NIDA: Course Number: 08AW2004 Age: 18 years+ Early Bird Fees: $470.00 (GST incl.) until: Friday, 25 April 2008 Fee: $495.00 (GST incl.) Date: Thursday, 8 May 2008 8 May to 26 June 06:30pm to 09:30pm 8 Thursday Evenings Venue: NIDA Address: Kensington, NSW Australia Phone: (02) 9697 7626 taken from the NIDA website.

Most universities and TAFEs offer creative writing courses, which usually include a little on scriptwriting. However, you should probably check out the trinity (NIDA, WAAPA, VCA). I know Swinburne does offer a playwrighting component as part of their theatre course, and possibly a short course version. I do know that the Australian College of Journalism's parent (I forget their name but if you google the ACJ, you'll find it) does a correspondence course in scriptwriting. I took one of their courses and they were good. Might I also suggest looking in other places: your local state writers organisation will have a list of links to courses, as well as offer classes of their own, grants, development programs, etc. Try the CAE too. (Also writers organisations often have a list of dramaturgs, for which you can hire to help you develop your work) I've been updating my list of theatre links, and all of my writing/writers links can now be found on delicious for all to view. There's a number of good ones there from which you can find local courses to suit your needs. Find the list here: http://del.icio.us/na3 My old list has a (possibly outdated) list of theatre-related courses: http://www.thepromptcopy.com/pip/theatrelinks.htm Mini-monster puppets customised just for you! at Puppets in Melbourne

Most states have a writers centre. I checked your profile and your in Sydney right. I haven't checked in NSW but in SA we have a writers centre that has the SA Writers Theatre attached. They help to nurse people through the process of producing and polishing their work. Good luck with your endeavours. A new voice is always welcome. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au