In the past year, I have had the pleasure of taking part in two incredible scriptwriting courses run by the Hackney Empire and National Theatre. As an aspiring writer, these courses not only gave me an insight into the role of the scriptwriter, but also a bank of writing techniques applicable to any style. Taking part in each course for four months once a week in the evening has been so beneficial – and as an added bonus, the friends I have made along the way have become an amazing support system to bounce creative ideas off - a great example of how these courses can have a lasting effect. 

My first experience of scriptwriting took place at Hackney Empire, where script editor and arts educator Ellie Fulcher taught us key skills in scriptwriting and plot development. I have many highlights from this course, including a task where we had to improvise a three-minute story and attempt to engage our audience the entire time; and an exercise where one of group and Artificial Intelligence received the same writing prompt and had to write a one-minute script - revealing to us just how unique the human imagination is and the power of the human writer. During this course, we were guided through the process of writing a 10-page short play to then be performed by professional actors at the Hackney Empire Theatre. I was intrigued by the relationship of plays and poetry, so ended up writing a script which combined both dialogue and poetry to further explore this, an opportunity which has improved my understanding of the role of the playwright in any script. 

Motivated by the Hackney Empire experience, I applied to take part in the National Theatre’s scriptwriting programme which took place from September to January this year. As well as having the opportunity to see some amazing plays at the Soho Theatre and the National Theatre, this course also provided me with a key toolbox of skills to take my writing forward. From five-minute free writing exercises to mimicking styles and thinking about inner versus outer purposes of writing, I have left with a clear guide in how to continue my writing journey. An amazing aspect of this course was the two Research and Development sessions, which allowed me to bring a script to the group and have both my peers and professional actors provide me with constructive feedback. 

These courses, alongside my incredible work experience at the Jane Austen Museum last summer, have really highlighted to me the benefit of extracurricular activities which have honed my writing skills and passion for reading that I will carry forward in my pursuit of literature in the future.  

As a K.M Watts English scholar at Blackheath High and having just received an offer to read English Literature at Cambridge University, the deep dive into playwriting has enhanced my study of drama texts beyond the curriculum. These courses were integral to my development as a writer and have left me with not only amazing insight into a career in writing, but a great writers’ community and a challenge to next write a verbatim play!  

Written by Lauren, Year 13, Head Student Team