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75 Drama Writing Prompts To Spice Up Your Script

It's time to tap into the human experience..

Little Children

The drama genre captures the essence of life's trials and triumphs, inviting audiences and readers alike into worlds both vastly different and strikingly similar to their own.

The following drama writing prompts are designed to ignite the imagination of writers.

Check them out below.

75 Drama Writing Prompts

Creating drama writing prompts can be an engaging way to inspire stories filled with conflict, emotion, and character growth. Here are 75 prompts designed to spark your creativity, whether you're writing a play, screenplay, novel, or short story:

• A character discovers a hidden letter revealing a family secret.
• Two strangers are the only survivors of a plane crash in a remote area.
• A young lawyer takes on a case that challenges their moral compass.
• A forbidden romance between members of rival families.
• An ambitious artist struggles to balance their passion with personal responsibilities.
• A whistleblower faces the consequences of exposing corruption in a powerful corporation.
• A time traveler tries to prevent a historical tragedy, but falls in love with someone from the past.
• A group of friends on a remote camping trip uncover something sinister.
• A detective becomes too emotionally involved in a case.
• An immigrant's journey to build a new life while facing prejudice.
• A soldier returning home struggles with PTSD and reintegrating into society.
• A family is torn apart by a will that reveals unexpected conditions and secrets.
• A couple's marriage is tested when one of them is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
• A community is shaken by a series of mysterious disappearances.
• An athlete faces a career-ending injury and must find a new path in life.
• A politician's career is threatened by a scandal from their past.
• A scientist makes a breakthrough discovery that challenges ethical boundaries.
• An undercover agent gets too close to the criminal organization they're infiltrating.
• A child prodigy wrestles with expectations and their own desires.
• A person gains the ability to hear others' thoughts, uncovering more than they bargained for.
• A parent and child reconcile after years of estrangement.
• A heist gone wrong forces criminals to confront their own morality.
• A celebrity's fall from grace and their journey to redemption.
• A young adult must choose between familial duty and personal dreams.
• An ancient curse haunts a family generation after generation.
• A character faces a moral dilemma after finding a bag of money.
• A betrayal among friends leads to a web of lies and revenge.
• A natural disaster traps a group of characters, revealing their true selves.
• An aging athlete attempts a comeback against all odds.
• A character is accused of a crime they didn't commit.
• A couple adopting a child faces unexpected challenges.
• A rivalry between two chefs in a high-stakes culinary competition.
• A survivor of a cult struggles to adjust to normal life.
• A character receives a heart transplant and begins to take on the traits of the donor.
• An actor's obsession with a role leads to blurred lines between fiction and reality.
• A character embarks on a quest to find a lost parent.
• A dystopian society where emotions are forbidden.
• A small town's dark secrets are uncovered by a new arrival.
• A character must navigate the dangerous world of organized crime to protect their family.
• A magical realism story where a character can see the future but cannot change it.
• A journalist fights to expose the truth in a corrupt society.
• A character struggles with addiction and the journey to recovery.
• A forbidden love story set in a futuristic society.
• A story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
• A family's generational curse comes to a head with the youngest member.
• A character's life changes after swapping bodies with a stranger.
• A person tries to rebuild their life after losing everything.
• A tale of revenge between two powerful families.
• A character discovers they are part of a government experiment.
• A love triangle with a supernatural twist.
• An artist finds a mysterious painting that holds the key to their past.
• A character must choose between love and duty.
• A story exploring the complexities of identity and gender.
• A group of survivors on a deserted island uncover a mystery.
• A ghost seeking to resolve unfinished business in the living world.
• A political thriller set in a volatile regime.
• A character becomes entangled in the world of espionage.
• A forbidden relationship challenges societal norms.
• A family is haunted by a tragic event from their past.
• A story of redemption for a character who has lost their way.
• A rivalry between two magicians becomes dangerously intense.
• A journey through a fantastical land to break a curse.
• A character must save their sibling from a cult.
• A prophecy foretells a great calamity, and characters must prevent it.
• A story of friendship tested by a moral dilemma.
• An exploration of the impact of technology on human relationships.
• A character is forced to confront their past when an old friend reappears.
• A rivalry turns into an unexpected partnership to overcome a common enemy.
• A person must navigate the complexities of a polyamorous relationship.
• A character's ability to manipulate dreams becomes a curse.
• A small town detective uncovers a national conspiracy.
• A character is reincarnated with memories of their past life, affecting their present.
• A historical drama about a revolution that changes the fate of a nation.
• A character faces discrimination while trying to reveal their true identity.
• A tale of sacrifice, where a character must give up something precious for the greater good.

These prompts can serve as a foundation for stories that explore deep emotional truths, challenge societal norms, and capture the complexities of the human condition.

Feel free to adapt and combine prompts to create unique and compelling narratives.

Now, go get writing before your estranged uncle reveals a tragic secret about your family heritage.

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• Best Dramatic Writing Prompts of 2023 ›
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Score the Animal World With the Composers of 'Planet Earth III'

Sara barone and jacob shea of bleeding fingers music dish on the kinds of tunes that score the animal world..

When Sara Barone and Jacob Shea of Bleeding Fingers Music teamed up to score Planet Earth III , they took on the colossal task of encapsulating some of our planet's awe-inspiring narratives in music. Their collaboration has resulted in sounds that are as moving and multifaceted as the Earth itself. Together, they've crafted a score that not only complements the stunning visuals of the series but also highlights humanity's intertwined existence with the natural world.

In this interview, we chat with them both about their approach to scoring one of the most visually stunning series on television.

From their initial excitement upon joining the project to their innovative use of unique sounds like Lea Bertucci's woodwind performance in a cave, Sara and Jacob open up about the creative challenges and breakthroughs they experienced. Dive in below with us for an intimate look at the musical journey behind Planet Earth III .

No Film School: Can you share with us the early discussions that led to your participation in composing the score for Planet Earth III and describe your initial thoughts and feelings upon being approached for this project?

Jacob : We were invited to submit to be considered. The way that the BBC works is they don't want to appear to have any sort of favoritism or impropriety. They have a list of people that they're interested in working with but the process is by demo, and so they'll send everyone a set of sequences and also ask for some theme ideas for the show.

Russell is the CEO of Bleeding Fingers—and Sara and I at the time were both really keen on the opportunity, amongst several other people in the larger company. So Sara and I pitched, and they responded to our material the strongest, and we got the gig by a kind of blind test. We were pretty thrilled to have the opportunity, and to run with it.

Sara : I'll just add that Jacob has already worked on Planet Earth II as well as many other BBC shows previously. This was my first time coming on as a composer for one of these shows and I had been such a fan of his work and just generally everything The BBC puts out, so I was very excited to have this opportunity.

NFS: How did you approach blending the natural sounds of the world with musical instruments and modern technology to create a score that speaks to the intertwining of humanity and nature in the series?

Sara : In this season of Planet Earth III , each episode opens with a scene that begins with a really stunning natural spectacle and a conspicuous human presence, which is a very deliberate departure from the show's previous seasons and reflects a new mindset. Through this lens of storytelling, humans are part of the picture, and this change in perspective was something that we really wanted the score to reflect. The result musically was that we anchored the score around soloists or solo players, so even in the most epic arrangements that we created, you can hear the unmistakable presence of a solo instrument or voice.

Jacob : As Sara was saying, these incredible musicians sort of did the heavy lifting for us by making this departure. There were moments, certainly with the “Coast” episode, with the crashing of the waves and how we underpinned the movement that was occurring on screen with our score. They needed to fit hand and glove, and we were really conscious about letting the natural elements in the sound design and the natural ambience of the space, letting those frequencies be at the center and our space carved out around it.

To Sara's point, it was an injection of humanity into the series that usually only was reserved for behind the scenes footage. Now there are actually scenes in the proper episode that had humans involved. Sara and I took that as an opportunity to inject ourselves, and we both sang on it and we took it as an opportunity to try to not lose sight of the majesty of whatever we were watching, or the horror, or the kind of heartache, that there was this conspicuous human thing that you could pick out in in the score and go, this is a departure.

NFS: Can you talk about the creative process behind including unique sounds, like Lea Bertucci's woodwind performance in a cave, and how you decided on such distinctive elements?

Both : So this was for the episode “Extremes”. The opening of the episode starts with this incredible imagery of the world's largest cave, Hang Son Doong. It starts with this striking visual of a human repelling down the top of it, which looks like an ant in the backdrop of this enormous crevice. It's unbelievable how large and otherworldly this cave actually is. You can imagine it in some sort of sci-fi film, or Jurassic Park. When you get into the sequence, you are introduced to many of the strange creatures that live there. We knew we had to do something really special for this musically.

We reached out to this experimental musician and woodwind player named Lea Bertucci, who sort of rejects the traditional approach to performance and does a lot of really interesting, extended techniques. We tasked her with a challenge to take this melody that we wrote and to go into a cave in upstate New York and basically go crazy with it. The natural sounds of the cave, combined with the incredible reverb that it created, along with Lea’s arsenal of instruments and experimental playing, resulted in some really otherworldly sounds that were beyond our wildest expectations.

NFS: Could you share a particularly challenging moment or scene to score in Planet Earth III and how you overcame that challenge?

Jacob : We were both thinking of this one, and there were a myriad of moments. It's harder as you get further away from it to remember them so clearly, so for me, I'll say the last episode we worked on, which was “Humans”. This episode was the most vibrant and adventurous in a lot of ways, and challenging because every sequence had a human presence. I just remember doing the monocled cobra sequence and Freddie very much wanted the cobra to have a Killing Eve vibe, like this female assassin. We were working with Ari Mason to cultivate the persona of this cobra and I mocked it up with samples, so it kind of played the theme that I had in mind and Freddie heard that version was like, “I don't know”. And then we sent it to Ari and she just brought a huge bag of character and heft to the piece.

You reach out to these musicians and it shouldn't come as a surprise. It continually reminds me that hiring real people to do real things is a wonderful gift that keeps giving and so I sent it to Freddie and he went from being really lukewarm and me feeling a little nervous, to to him being completely sold.

Sara : I think that's a really great example. Working on a series like this, where there's so much music, you're really stretched to create a very distinctive sound world for each of these animals and habitats featured in the sequences. You're pushed to expand your palate in so many different directions. I think that's generally a challenge with this type of work, which is also what's so fun about scoring a show like this.

Jacob : You realize your job gets easier when you invite in people that have honed their craft. I'm thinking not only of soloists, but also The National Orchestra of Wales, who performed the orchestral material. You think about 40 people getting into a room and really emoting over a sequence. They see the picture. They have a discussion with us about what we're aiming to achieve. The level of emotion and depth of feeling that comes from working with those musicians is continually unbelievable.

NFS: How did you balance the creative input from the production team, such as directors and producers, with your own artistic vision when composing for this series?

Sara : Even though each episode is distinctive, all of us involved in the project really are unified by the same overall purpose for the show and the message that the BBC is trying to convey. When we did our early work on the series, we co-wrote this main theme, which embodies the complex tone of the show. You're balancing the idea that humans are pushing species and habitats to their limits of survival, but nature is resilient. The work we did on finding the tone for the main theme helped unify our story across the series. Even though each episode was different, we had that as a common thread throughout.

Jacob : Arriving at what that sound was going to be was like a North Star for the series. Even among the varied stuff that we did throughout the eight episodes, that was a mission driven anchor, where we definitely didn't want to betray reality to such a degree that we were oblivious to what was going on. That was a top down creative direction that I think Sara and I really responded with and We were really excited about that. Because it was the third one- [Planet Earth] what is going to be the distinction here? We don't want to repeat ourselves and we need something to carry us through all these minutes of music to write.

To have that direction from the showrunner, Matt Brandon was amazing. He was with us when we recorded with Bastille in London. He was there and even helped shape that vocal performance on the theme.

NFS: Can you talk about a particular piece of music from the series that you are most proud of and the story behind its creation?

Sara : One of my favorite sequences was in the “Ocean” episode, the Deep Sea Octopus story, which was so fascinating and emotional. In the sequence, the female deep sea octopus will go down two miles into a thermal spring area of the ocean to lay eggs because they will hatch several times faster in this warmer environment. The scene shows this spectacle of female octopuses congregated together to lay their eggs in what they call an “octopus garden.”

Musically this sequence was quite special to score. I created a sound for the mother octopus with a lot of vocal layers, some of my own, and also featuring the incredible Ari Mason and Dan Smith of Bastille. We created some really warm, delicate, and other worldly textures to support these incredible images of the mother octopus working tirelessly to protect her eggs until they hatch and the babies swim away.

I built this orchestral piece around it, which has a feeling of rising and growing as you see the babies hatching and swimming up and away. The images are accompanied by bursts of string lines and synth arpeggios that match the movement of the hatchlings. The music evolves into a rather tragic moment because the mothers die as a result of this strenuous process. But it sort of ends with a sense of optimism as we cut back to the hatchlings beginning their lives. I think this emotional dichotomy is typical of Planet Earth and is one of the challenges of writing music for the series.

Jacob : For me, the seals versus sharks scene was a really surprising kind of behavior. I'd written the razor snake versus iguana chase sequence in Planet Earth II, and that scene was mostly harrowing. There was a brief moment of joy at the end…you were rooting for the little iguana. This seals vs. sharks sequence is a feel good story, a twist of fate. The chases are quite long but there's a turning point where these seals realize that they've got strength in numbers.

You see this shark chasing these two seals and then all of a sudden they're in this cove where there's maybe 20 or 30 seals, and they're like, we're not having any of it. They get the shark to leave them alone by banding together in this swarm, this defensive mechanism of sorts. It was really fun to play off the high stakes of the chase, and then it's pure celebration. It, in a moment, dawns on them that they actually have this in the bag.

The director was open to a more modern sound and I got to play guitar on it. It was a super fun experience. Like Sara said, there's so much that is genuinely heartbreaking in the series. This was a “put your fist in the air” type of moment.

NFS: Reflecting on your experience scoring for Planet Earth III , how has this project influenced your own personal connection to nature and your creative process as a composer moving forward?

Sara : In terms of my creative process, I felt like the experience of working on this show caused me to expand the scope of my palate beyond what I could have imagined. In this series, they do such a great job telling the stories of even the smallest and most overlooked species, like tiny bugs on a tree. Finding a voice for these diverse animals and habitats caused me to look to new places for inspiration and creativity.

Jacob : I alluded to this earlier, but I'm a big believer in just letting other people in. Sometimes you go off and work on some things that maybe don't have the budget or resources or time for you. To have other people in the mix, there's a huge boon in the ability to create something powerful, by teaming up and letting other voices in and leaning towards what people are naturally gifted at, like Sara who is a tremendous composer generally, but who also is incredibly lyrical in her writing.

So working on it influenced me to let people in the conversation as much as I can going forward.

NFS: Finally, what do you hope current and future viewers take away emotionally or philosophically from the music of Planet Earth III ?

Sara : I hope that people feel that the score is aligned with the goals of the show and helps tell the stories that these incredible filmmakers have worked many years to tell.

Jacob : I kind of question whether or not that responsibility is there. Maybe people look at scores in that way. I certainly use music as a way of opening up my imagination and escaping and I would hope that the music provides some solace or escape. I don't know that I aim to do anything more than to just do the imagery and the series justice. Maybe if the music was good enough, when they [people] listen to it, they are reminded of the sequence and it makes them think about nature a bit more, then all the better but if someone listens to it and likes it, then I'm happy.

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20 Best Drama Script Examples to Download and Read for Free.

Learn how to write a drama movie by reading some of the best drama scripts of all time, from titanic to la la land..

20 best drama script examples to download and read for free.

Writing a drama script is a great way to showcase your character development skills—and, notoriously, practically all Oscar and Nicholl contest winners are drama screenplays.

But in order to reach that level, it’s super important to read as many drama scripts  as you can.

With that in mind, here are twenty of the best drama script examples that you can download and read for free. Enjoy!

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 1. 1917 .


1917 was praised not only for its incredible cinematography but for its real-time filmmaking technique. Director Sam Mendes had the ambitious idea to make the film appear as a “one-shot,” putting even more pressure on co-writer, Krysty Wilson-Cairns, to create seamless transitioning in the screenplay.

While there are technically 61 scenes in the screenplay, almost every heading is listed as CONTINUOUS. When reading, pay attention to how the ending of each moment directly connects to the next, and notice the urgency of the tone as we follow the lead characters every step of the way.

2. Arrival .

Arrival  may be a science fiction story, but as far as the big five genres go, it’s essentially a drama. The screenplay plays against the traditional tropes of an action-packed alien blockbuster, and instead screenwriter Eric Heisserer focused more on character and mood.

There is a clear connection between the mysterious creatures and the humans who are studying them, both intellectually and emotionally. When reading the screenplay, observe the arc of each lead character, including the aliens.

3. Before Sunrise .


Before Sunrise , with its simple, yet highly effective premise, is one of the best drama script examples you’ll find. The entire story takes place over the course of one night, yet this night is so impactful on the characters’ lives that it wound up spawning a trilogy.

What screenwriter Kim Krizan and writer/director Richard Linklater capture perfectly is the idea of zero expectations. These two strangers do not believe that they will ever see each other again and, as a result, they open up to one another—increasing their vulnerability and feelings of romance.

4. Call Me By Your Name .

While the ultimate premise in this drama script is about a 17-year-old Italian boy who falls in love with the older male graduate student living with his family, screenwriter James Ivory doesn’t reveal their sexual relationship right away.

Rather, Ivory builds up the environment. Notice how the detail of the beautiful Italian landscape, the sensual nature of the dialogue and the romantic background increasingly draws the two men together, from simple admiration to deeper desires.

5. Casablanca .


The fifth of our free drama scripts is this inevitable Bogart/Bergman classic from 1942. This script needs no introduction and is a perfect example of how to combine multiple genres—in this case, romance, war and drama.

Rick, the protagonist faces a difficult and ironic predicament—to rekindle a romance with a past love or help her and her refugee husband escape. While the dialogue in Casablanca is dazzling, pay particular attention to how the drama is driven by the moral choices these characters are forced to make.

6. Dead Poets Society .


Dead Poets Society is a wonderful drama script sample, especially when it comes to how to show the overall transformation of a collective by the influence of a single outsider. While the script is primarily serious, like all great drama scripts there are moments of humor and levity.

Observe how the tone of the environment shifts from conventional and callous to whimsical and free as the story progresses. Also, if you’re writing a screenplay that quotes literature and are unsure of the correct drama script format, look no further than Dead Poets Society .



7. The Godfather .


When The Godfather was first released in 1972, the concept of the “mafia family” wasn’t quite as familiar as it is today. Screenwriter Mario Puzo and director Francis Ford Coppola introduce this criminal world to a wider audience by first giving them something to identify with: the plight of immigrant Italian families in America in the 1940s.

Study the screenplay and see how the tone shifts over time. You’ll note that the core themes of family and honor always remain, but the stakes raise as the tone turns darker and darker…



8. Green Book .


If you’re writing a buddy movie, look no further than this drama script for a modern masterclass on how to create conflict through two leads’ opposing personalities. In this case, a posh, black concert pianist and his white working-class driver.

While the social issues of the 1960s hang heavy in this drama screenplay, the tone is not as serious as you might expect. Probably because Peter Farrelly is one of the co-writers, but also because the heart of the script is the men’s “odd couple”-style friendship.

9. Hidden Figures .


Screenwriter Allison Schroeder was inspired to adapt the book of the same name from her experience growing up near the Kennedy Space Center. In addition, both of her grandparents were NASA engineers.

Schroeder’s exquisite detail in this drama script comes from her knowledge and familiarity of this world, proving that sometimes it pays to mine your personal experiences for material and “write what you know.”

10. It’s a Wonderful Life .

Like A Christmas Carol , the script to It’s A Wonderful Life revolves around a man who’s shown his life through another lens during a major holiday. Although the context and characters are completely different, this drama script sample teaches a valuable screenwriting lesson for anyone writing a story based on pre-existing material.



11. Lady Bird .


Lady Bird explores the life of a strong-willed high school senior of the same name. However, instead of telling a classic first-love romance, writer/director Greta Gerwig focuses on a different relationship: between a mother and daughter.

The screenplay is also one of the best drama script examples to study character. Note how Gerwig makes a rebellious character like Lady Bird more likable by revealing some of her more compelling moments through her untraditional friendships.



12. La La Land .


La La Land tells an age-old tale of the Hollywood Dream—both the highs of success and the lows of rejection. Study how writer Damien Chazelle takes the premise of a potentially mundane idea and transforms it into a compelling and flashy musical drama.

Perhaps the best way to learn from this drama script PDF, however, is by considering the true star of the story: Los Angeles. Chazelle excels in highlighting this setting as a character—through subtle detail and the link between the characters’ emotions and experiences with the city.

13. Magnolia .


The genesis of this drama script was unusual in that writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson came up with the title before he even knew what the story was going to be about. After doing some research on the magnolia tree, he found that its bark could serve as a potential cure for cancer, which sparked his core idea.

Magnolia is now viewed as a classic example of how to interweave a number of storylines with a common thread. When reading the script, notice how the setting, specifically the San Fernando Valley, plays a part in each character’s life too.

14. Manchester by the Sea .

Writer/director Kenneth Lonergan’s drama screenplay for Manchester by the Sea is a great example of how to write a story in media res—where we meet the protagonist, Lee, in the height of the drama.

Not only does this maximize the tension at the start of the film by introducing the “problem” right away, but the flashbacks reveal aspects of Lee’s character that change the audience’s perspective on him as we progress through the story.

15. Moon .


While maybe not one of the best-known drama script examples on this list,  Moon  was widely praised upon its release on the 2009 film festival circuit and was even well-received by the scientific community!

The screenplay by Nathan Parker was specifically written for Sam Rockwell to star in the lead (and only) role. It’s worth noting that writing a drama script with a cast of real actors in mind for each character can really help bring more authenticity to them.

16. The Shawshank Redemption .


This drama script which, was adapted from Stephen King’s novel of the same name, stirs debate just from the title alone. While the protagonist receives life in prison for a crime he claims to have not committed, the “redemption” element comes from his changed viewpoint and internal transformation.

Although a prison drama, the plot has been studied from a theological perspective and The Shawshank Redemption is a great example for those interested in incorporating symbolism into a screenplay. In particular, note the subtext behind the dialogue and ask yourself, What is the deeper meaning behind these words?

17. The Social Network .

Writer Aaron Sorkin doesn’t focus on telling “the truth” in this drama script—rather, he explores three different conflicting versions of it. Note how he inserts tension into each one by revealing its battle between intention vs. obstacle.

Some aspiring screenwriters like to use this script’s use of lengthy dialogue monologues as a green light to do the same in their own. To that, all we can say is: proceed with caution . It’s a risky game if your dialogue’s not absolutely smoking hot.

18. A Star Is Born .

This 2018 drama screenplay co-written by Bradley Cooper, is the fourth rendition of this classic tale. Like the versions before it, the story contains the same themes of triumph and tragedy following the rise and fall of a star singer.

However, this version of A Star is Born is unique in that it contains dual protagonists rather than a single one. Furthermore, the script takes a deeper look at Jack and Ally’s personal lives, creating a more intimate tone.

19. There Will Be Blood .


There Will Be Blood is the second of our drama script examples penned by Paul Thomas Anderson. It earned Daniel Day-Lewis the Best Actor Oscar at the 2008 Academy Awards but, in order for him to receive that honor, he had to have a great character to portray. And it’s all right here on the page.

Daniel Plainview arguably has a hero’s journey with a lethal twist: a poor man becomes rich, but now he wants it all. As you follow his progression, note how Anderson uses his obsessive drive to make him engaging, despite his obvious unlikability.

20. Titanic .

Titanic swept the 1997 Academy Awards and has been rightfully deemed as a cinematic phenomenon. And it’s easy to see why from reading the script that’s probably one of the best drama scripts of all time.

While James Cameron is mostly praised for his work as a director, there is plenty to learn from this original script—in particular from the way he seamlessly interweaves a powerful love story with a true-life tragedy.

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Best drama script examples: conclusion. 

What do you think of our list of best drama scripts to read? Any glaring omissions you think we’ve left out?

Don’t forget you can also find more free drama scripts to download as PDFs, such as American Beauty and Good Will Hunting , by following the links below.

If you want to start writing great drama movie scripts, reading great drama screenplays should be an essential part of your weekly writing routine.

Absorb as much as you can from them, and put the knowledge to use in your own drama script. Good luck!

Enjoyed this post? Read more drama script examples…

50 Best Screenplays To Read And Download In Every Genre

15 Screenplay Examples From Each Genre to Download for Free

50 Best TV Scripts to Read and Download for Free

[© Photo credits: Flickr /  Unsplash ]

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38 comments.

This helped me a lot .

Glad it was of help. All the best with your writing.

The scripts are so much with reality Simply WOW!!

I’m overwhelmed to reach this app/site.I am a beginner in screenplay writing and this will be of huge help.Thanks a ton.

You’re welcome, Angara!

Thanks a lot. I’m richer

Thanks for reading, Nkesani!

It gives me more writing ideals.

Good to hear, Romeo!

great place for ideas

lam Michael Jackson we also look forward

Thanks alot …..this site has really open my eyes

Thanks Daniel 🙂

Excellent. If you could provide scripts for middle school students, it’d be wonderful.

It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this brilliant blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group.

Thank it helps alot

Thanks, glad to hear it, Lydia!

Hii, its Dimpi from India, i just wanna say that your website helped me a lot and thank you for this. Hope you gain more success .

Greetings from Nigeria l am very happy to be part of this big family , hope to work with you one day

Thanks for the shout-out, Sylvia! Best of luck with the writing.

Hi there! Is it possible to download the TV series Script for “Stranger Things” and Whiplash? Or any other scripts?

Thank you. Can you post some kdrama scripts?

Thank you. We’ll see what we can do.

Hi Thank you so much

You’re welcome, Navid!

You’re welcome, Thu!

Thank you so much.

You’re welcome, thanks for reading, Idmessiah!

A very nice initiative for young writer’s journey to begin n take wings!

Thanks, Vikas!

This is a great list, but I’d add Moonlight. Simply incredible.

Thanks, Sarah!

Hello greetings from Cameroon in Africa. So happy to be part of this beautiful family. Hope to work with you people one day.

We look forward to it, Emile 🙂

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101 Riveting Drama Story Prompts

Do you want to write a drama but need help conjuring compelling dramatic stories and concepts? Sometimes reading simple genre story prompts is the easiest way to get those creative juices flowing.

We get our ideas from many sources — news headlines, novels, television shows, movies, our lives, our fears, our phobias, etc. They can come from a scene or moment in a film that wasn’t fully explored. They can come from a single visual that entices the creative mind — a seed that continues to grow and grow until the writer is forced to finally put it to paper or screen.

They may inspire screenplays, novels, short stories, or even smaller moments that you can include in what stories you are already writing.

Read More: Dead Poets Society's Tom Schulman on How to Write an Oscar-Winning Drama

101 Drama Story Prompts

1. Long-lost twins find each other.

2. A father deals with the death of his whole family after a tragic accident.

3. A mother struggles with grief after losing her oldest child.

4. A recently divorced man returns to his hometown and reconnects with his childhood sweetheart.

5. A rich executive realizes the error of their ways and sells everything to travel the world.

6. A family discovers the truth about ancestors.

7. A father and son go on a safari to reconnect.

8. A family befriends a homeless person.

9. Parents learn that their college-age daughter has disappeared.

10. A man befriends the drunk driver who killed his parents.

11. A mother wants to realize her life-long dream and train for the Olympics.

12. A father is tasked with coaching his son's soccer team, even though he has never played the sport.

13. A teacher deals with returning to school after a mass shooting.

14. A group of teen friends decides to stop their partying ways after a friend dies after a party.

15. A little boy struggles to fit in with the kids living in his new neighborhood.

16. A family that loses everything in a fire must rebuild their lives.

17. A family must adjust to the PTSD of the father after returning home from war.

18. An estranged family is reunited.

19. The President of the United States and his family go incognito to live a normal life.

21. A group of friends goes on a quest to bury a time capsule after one of their own dies.

22. A family travels to the American Frontier to find their new home.

23. A star baseball recruit struggles to decide whether he should take a scholarship or go pro.

24. A teen comes out of the closet in the rural Midwest.

25. Siblings learn that their parents were Soviet Union-era, sleeper agents.

26. A family on a wilderness retreat takes in a wounded bank robber.

27. A rich and affluent family loses everything and must live in the ghetto.

28. A group of families decides to move out of the city and live in a commune, cut off from the corrupt society.

29. A family sells everything to buy a sailboat to sail around the world.

30. A family finds a wild wolf pup.

31. Siblings start a successful business after their parents lose their jobs.

32. Two brothers do everything they can to ensure that their family gets to keep their house.

33. Two sisters navigate the difficult world of teen angst as their parents navigate the difficult world of keeping up with the Joneses.

34. A family decides to buy their own island.

36. A racecar driver dies, and his family struggles with grief.

37. An African-American family escapes the crime-ridden ghetto and moves into the suburbs.

38. A woman travels the world in search of love.

39. A family on a canoe trip is whisked away down the Mississippi River during a horrible storm and flood.

40. Kids discover an underground mine shaft and are trapped within it.

41. A bullied boy struggles to stand up to the bullies that torment him.

42. A bullied girl struggles to stand up to the mean girls of the school.

43. A family must survive when their plane crashes.

44. A family is willed in an old castle.

45. Two divorcees meet in a diner as one waits for a bus.

46. A man and woman fall in love during a layover.

48. A town must survive the worst flood in history.

49. A lawyer goes up against the government.

50. Overwhelmed parents leave their kids home and go for an adult vacation.

51. A small farm family avoids the invading armies of World War III.

52. An outcast nerd decides to organize an alternative Prom for other outcasts.

53. An Asian-American teen living in the rural south struggles to realize his dream of becoming a country music singer.

54. Athletic siblings from a split home face up against each other in the state tournament.

55. A dog struggles to find the right human family.

56. Puppy siblings separated by pet adoption escape bad homes to find each other.

57. Siblings in an orphanage escape and find their beloved aunt and uncle.

58. Past prison cellmates find each other after thirty years.

59. A WWII veteran struggles to return to normal life.

60. Two groups of kids from rival gangs are forced to live together in a house.

61. A boy from a rich and spoiled family wants them to live without their mansion, belongings, and money for a year.

62. A rich boy and poor girl convince their families to switch places for a year.

63. A family sailing the ocean waters must overcome the worst hurricane in history.

64. A grief-stricken cop that killed a teen struggles to reconcile with the family.

65. A mentally-challenged student wants to make the football team.

66. A physically-challenged student wants to letter in every sport in high school.

68. A woman that spent 30 years in prison returns to her hometown.

69. A father struggles with becoming a stay-at-home dad.

70. A woman that grew up in a family of football star boys decides to become the high school football coach.

71.  A family struggling in life sell everything to move to Hawaii.

72. A local town bands together as miners are trapped in the local mine.

73. Parents deal with their son robbing a bank and being on the run.

74. A city family inherits a farm.

75. A riverboat captain and his children attempt the first trip down the Mississippi River.

76. Childhood friends have reunited after thirty years apart.

77. The son of a poor family struggles to attain a sports scholarship so he can go to college.

78. A teenage girl decides to join the football team.

79. A World War II-era family starts a minor league baseball team to uplift the town.

80. The high janitor that students make fun of is actually a war hero.

81. A family adopts a puppy after losing the family dog.

82. A family is tasked with going on a unique scavenger hunt at the behest of the grandpa's last will and testament.

83. A girl overwhelmed by middle school drama decides to be homeschooled.

85. Siblings mourn the death of their father and inherit his business.

86. A grumpy executive is forced to live with his family after a stroke.

87. A family must find each other after the worst earthquake in human history.

88. A family discovers that they are the descendants of Hitler.

89. A girl with Asperger's Syndrome befriends a horse.

90. A disgraced boxer begins to train youth boxers.

91. A disgraced professional baseball manager starts a baseball team of inner-city kids.

93. A stay-at-home mother deals with empty nest syndrome.

94. A successful female executive leaves her career to spend quality time with her husband and children.

95. A young student has a crush on their teacher.

96. Former middle school best friends decide to have an old school sleepover after they've all gone their separate ways in high school.

97. A Post Civil War-era Union soldier returns to his southern hometown.

98. A beloved school teacher loses his family as the community bands together to become his new family.

99. A mob boss goes into the witness protection program and struggles to adjust to life in the suburbs.

100. The life of a girl is told as she grows into an adult.

101. A family decides to move into a lighthouse and take on the daily duties within.

Share this with your writing peers or anyone that loves a good dramatic story. Have some prompts of your own? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter !

WANT MORE IDEAS? TAKE A LOOK AT OUR OTHER  STORY PROMPTS !

What entails a drama concept.

Drama can be best defined as a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces. While other definitions can be found, this is best applied to the cinematic context of film and television.  Screenplays and teleplays focus on situations or series of events that involve interesting conflict — with the best kind of drama containing conflict that is intense and cathartic.  Conflict is everything in film and television. Without it, there is no story to tell. Nothing is interesting about a character that doesn't struggle in some way, shape, or form.

Drama is also recognized as a specific genre of storytelling featuring realistic characters forced to deal with true-to-life issues and conflicts.  Yes, there is drama found in superhero movies, spy thrillers, and suspenseful horror stories. However, a drama — as defined by genre definitions — is a story that is embedded explicitly within reality, often involving characters that audiences can identify with because the conflicts they face are everyday struggles.

Read More: The Single Difference Between Cinematic Drama and Melodrama

Please note: Because we’re all connected to the same pop culture, news headlines, and inspirations, any similarity to any past, present, or future screenplays, novels, short stories, television pilots, television series, plays, or any other creative works is purely coincidence. These story writing prompts were conceived on the fly without any research or Google search for inspiration.

Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.

He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, and Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries Blackout , starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, the feature thriller Hunter’s Creed , and many Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies.

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ENG 125 & 126 - Creative Writing: Drama

• Short Fiction
• Long Fiction
• Non-fiction
• Research Process

Drama Defined

Definition:  A prose or verse composition, especially one telling a serious story, that is intended for representation by actors impersonating the characters and performing the dialogue and action.

Elements:  

• Structure -- This deals with how to setup the beginning, middle and end of a play and is even more crucial in drama than any other genre of writing.
• Characters -- People will act out the story on stage. Characters should be well-developed and not appear as stereotypes.
• Dialogue -- This is crucial in plays because everything happens through the spoken word.
• Theme -- Plays often deal with universal themes which encourage discussion of ideas. 
• Production -- Costumes, props and lighting are some of the necessary items for putting on a play.

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Writing a Dramatic Script: Five Key Techniques

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• . July 7, 2021

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• Literary Terms

When & How to Write Drama

• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write Drama

How to Write Drama

• Start with characters . The best dramas are usually character- driven. They have a cast of main characters (usually fewer than 10), plus a handful of supporting characters. These characters should all be very distinct from one another, and the main characters should be authentic and life-like. This way, the audience can relate to them and cares what happens to them.
• Introduce conflict. All stories revolve around conflict, and this is especially true in drama. The conflict could be anything – the simplest example is political conflict or war, but you might also have competing love interests, clashes in personality, or simply a struggle against misfortune.
• Don’t forget about comic relief. Unless you’re writing a tragedy (see section 6), there should be at least some amount of humor in your drama. Otherwise, the negative emotions will get overwhelming and the experience will be too unpleasant for the reader. Give a few funny lines to your characters, or add an amusing situation somewhere to cut the tension – just make sure that this comic relief arises naturally from the story and it doesn’t feel like you’re cramming it in.

When to Use Drama

Drama is great for a creative writing project. It offers opportunities to work on character development, story structure, and a whole other set of writing skills. Every once in a while, you may also find a place for drama in formal essays , but you have to be careful.

For example, history essays are often more enjoyable to read if you craft them with a “dramatic” eye – focusing on a small set of main characters, contrasting these characters and their various desires, and fully describing the conflict at the center of the story. These techniques, in combination with good research and persuasive logic, can turn a good essay into a great one. However, you do have to be careful – too much drama in a formal essay can start to seem distracting, and you don’t want to give the impression that you’re more committed to the entertainment value than to the research and analysis.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

✍️ Dramatic Short Story Prompts

Curated with love by Reedsy

We found 47 dramatic stories that match your search 🔦 reset

A long-standing feud erupts during a funeral or wedding.

A plane that's been missing for years suddenly lands at a major airport., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

Curated writing inspriation delivered to your inbox each week.

A woman drops her wallet on the street, and it falls open. You pick it up and are about to return it to her when you notice a strange picture inside.

As the floor trembles and the walls shake, you know there is only one way to survive., as the sun set, the desert wasteland glowed an eerie red., as you ride your motorcycle off into the sunset, you see something unexpected on the horizon., by the time this party is finished, three people's lives will be changed forever..

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Course details

Writing drama (online).

There are no time-tabled sessions on this course. Using a specially designed virtual learning environment this online course guides students through weekly pathways of directed readings and learning activities. Students interact with their tutor and the other course participants through tutor-guided, text-based forum discussions. There are no ‘live-time’ video meetings meaning you can study flexibly in your own time under the direct tuition of an expert. For further information please click here

Drama is a hugely popular art form. This creative and critical course will help students to turn their passion for drama, whether stage, radio, television, or film, into the craft of dramatic writing, and to understand and appreciate the work of established dramatists.

Listen to Nicholas McInerny talking about the course:

Theatre-going is as much a cultural pastime as sports-watching, television is drawing huge audiences, radio and podcasts continue to appeal widely, and cinema remains the pinnacle of the screenwriting craft. At the heart of all this drama is the script - the focus of our course. The approach of this course is both creative and critical. After a methodological introduction, students will learn the key elements of successful dramatic writing: structure; characterisation; dialogue; and be shown how to employ these in their own work. They will also acquire greater understanding of the four main media: stage; radio; television; and film; as well as insights into genre and adaptation. This course is for anyone who wants to write drama, or to learn more about how drama is written, in an environment that is supportive and inspirational.

For information on how the courses work, please click here .

Programme details

• In the beginning
• Where do stories come from?
• Structure 1: Building blocks
• Structure 2: Focus
• Structure 3: Variations on a theme
• Characterisation
• Making a scene
• Similarity and difference

We strongly recommend that you try to find a little time each week to engage in the online conversations (at times that are convenient to you) as the forums are an integral, and very rewarding, part of the course and the online learning experience.

Recommended reading

To participate in the course you will need to have regular access to the Internet and you will need to buy the following books:

• Edgar, David,  How Plays Work  (Nick Hern Books, 2021 edition)
• Egri, Lajos,  The Art of Dramatic Writing  (Touchstone, 2004 edition) (the 2004 edition is recommended, but other editions are acceptable)

In addition, pick one of the following plays and read it. You will be referring to it several times during the course.

• Anton Chekhov, Uncle Vanya
• Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House
• J. M. Synge, The Playboy of the Western World

As Synge is out of copyright, any edition is suitable. For consistency on Ibsen and Chekhov translations, Penguin Modern Classics editions are recommended.

Alternatively, you can access all these plays on www.gutenberg.org.

Certification

To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee for each course you enrol on. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. If you do not register when you enrol, you have up until the course start date to register and pay the £10 fee.

See more information on CATS point

Coursework is an integral part of all online courses and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework, but only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail.

All students who successfully complete this course, whether registered for credit or not, are eligible for a Certificate of Completion. Completion consists of successfully passing the final course assignment. Certificates will be available, online, for those who qualify after the course finishes.

Dr Louis Greenberg

Louis Greenberg is a writer and fiction editor with a doctorate in modern English literature. Under his own name and co-writing as S.L. Grey, he has published nine novels including  The Mall ,  The Apartment  and Exposure , a mystery about an immersive theatre group. Louis has studied scriptwriting, theatre set design and film finance, and two of his books are in film development. An Advanced Professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, Louis has edited fiction for several major publishers .

Course aims

This course will enable students to:

• Develop a series of key technical skills that are intrinsic to all dramatic writing.
• Develop further understanding of both the similarities and differences between Stage, Radio, TV and Film.
• Practise individually and collectively exercises designed to improve their skills as dramatists.
• Gain a greater understanding of the collaborative nature of dramatic writing within the context of evaluating both their own and other's work.
• Build a writerly practice around the 'Portfolio' model.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will understand:

• Key elements of successful dramatic writing.
• The practical application of those elements in their own work.
• The collaborative process involved in seeing a project though from initial idea to completion of first draft.

By the end of this course students will have gained the following skills:

• Enhanced ability to employ a number of techniques in their writing.
• An increased confidence in the use of those techniques, and their application.
• An awareness that they are writing out of their 'influences' and into their own 'voice'.

Assessment methods

You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first of 500 words is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome but preparing for it, and the feedback you are given, will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.

English Language Requirements

We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements please follow this link: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/english-language-requirements

Application

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Level and demands

FHEQ level 4, 10 weeks, approx 10 hours per week, therefore a total of about 100 study hours.

IT requirements

This course is delivered online; to participate you must to be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the Internet. You will also need regular access to the Internet and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support

View a sample page to see if this course is for you

• Recommendations
• Production Resources
• Skills Development
• Concentration
• Improvisation
• Group Cohesion
• Building a Character
• Creative Drama

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Inspiring Resources for Creative Drama

Posted by Janine Buesgen | Nov 2, 2018

If you’ve read Creative Drama Basics , maybe you’d like to try some creative drama with your students!

You can start planning by picking a theme – it can be a topic that’s already in your curriculum – and outlining some activities you’d like try.

Once you have a theme, you’ll want to find relevant material to use for the various activities you’re planning.

Conversely, you can use some of this inspirational material as the basis for a creative drama session.

Fairy/Folk Tales/Tall Tales and Myths

Many creative drama sessions use fairy tales, folk tales, or myths as topics, and there are lots of reasons why.

Humans have told stories since the dawn of language. Before we had writing systems, we passed down knowledge and myths orally. These tales became foundations of our cultural heritages, and their various incarnations still resonate today. For the purposes of a creative drama class, the distinctions among myths and fairy, folk, or tall tales aren’t as important as the content of the story itself.

When choosing tales to use in class, look for simple plots, dynamic characters, and a straightforward message. You should be able to read or retell the story in 10 minutes or less. Stories with children as protagonists have great appeal, as do clever characters who outsmart the villains. There are thousands of stories; it’s not difficult to tailor your selections to the personalities in your group. For example, if everyone in the class resists being “the bad guy,” find a story in which there is none! If you have Disney fanatics in your group who can’t “let it go” when it comes to their animated versions of the fairy tales, select pieces that Disney’s never adapted.

You can read the story aloud to the group or learn the story and retell it in your own fashion. Once the group is familiar with the story, they can put themselves into the story with your guidance. Children enjoy acting out stories with humorous people or situations, and usually are willing to play inanimate objects that relate to the plot.

Embrace the creative drama philosophy of “no wrong answers” when you’re facilitating a dramatic retelling, encouraging the participants to do the same. Don’t be afraid to stretch the boundaries of the story – add in extra family members, duplicate protagonists/antagonists, herds of animals instead of one so that every child in the class has a role to play. With well-known stories ( Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk ), older children can use their familiarity with the plot to create new ideas, by modernizing the story, or placing characters from several different stories into one.

There are an incredible number of books containing collections of these stories. Some feature tales from a single country, religion, or ethnic group, while others are grouped by subject (women, animals, nature).

Here are a few recommendations:

Winifred Ward’s Stories to Dramatize   is a good starting place. Ward was a pioneer in the field of creative dramatics, and the 100 pieces in this collection are almost guaranteed to be successful because of Ward’s vast experience. The stories are arranged by age level, but because of the sophistication (in terms of following storylines) of today’s children, the older age group stories could be tried with younger children.

Andrew Lang’s Fairy Books Series: There are twelve books in this series, each named with a different color (i.e. Blue, Pink, Red, Grey ). The collection includes some stories of Hans Christen Anderson and the Brothers Grimm along with many little known fairy tales. I especially recommend are “The Princess in the Chest” ( from  The   Pink Fairy Book) and “The Raspberry Worm” (The Lilac Fairy Book) . As the books were published between 1889 and 1913, they are now in the public domain and are available online through Project Gutenberg.

Janine Buesgen

Janine Moyer Buesgen is a theatre educator and artist with a Master’s of Arts in the Humanities degree from Arcadia University. She taught English and Theatre for more than a decade in the Pennsbury School District. Currently, Janine works with Everybody’s Theater Company and is a lecturer in the Rome School's Drama Department at the Catholic University of America.

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October 19, 2018

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May 19, 2020

• Theatre Education Classics (2)
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• Creative Drama (5)
• Building a Character (1)
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• Group Cohesion (4)
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• Skills Development (4)
• Warm-up (7)
• IS Book Reviews (6)
• IS News Roundups (10)
• IS Play Overviews (8)
• Censorship (2)
• Plays for Production (10)
• Auditions (2)
• Dramaturgy (1)
• Resources for Theatre Students (2)
• Teaching Theatre Online (3)
• Uncategorized (1)

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Duration: 3 years full time

UCAS code: WW48

Institution code: R72

Campus: Egham

Drama and Creative Writing (BA)

By combining the study of Creative Writing with Drama, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how theatre performance and creative writing interact - whether you specialise as a playwright, or choose to take the poetry or fiction options in creative writing.

Choosing to study Drama at Royal Holloway will put you at the centre of one of the largest and most influential Drama and Theatre departments in the world. You'll create performances, analyse texts, and bring a range of critical ideas to bear on both. On this course the text and the body, thinking and doing, work together. There's no barrier between theory and practice: theory helps you understand and make the most of practice, while practice sheds light on theory.  By moving between the two, you'll find your place as an informed theatre-maker, and by studying a variety of practices, by yourself and with others, you'll get knowledge of the industry as a whole, and learn how your interests could fit into the bigger picture.

We are top-rated for teaching and research, with a campus community recognised for its creativity. Our staff cover a huge range of theatre and performance studies, but we're particularly strong in contemporary British theatre, international and intercultural performance, theatre history, dance and physical theatre, and contemporary performance practices.

Studying Creative Writing at one of the UK's most dynamic English departments will challenge you to develop your own critical faculties. Learning to write creatively, you'll develop your own writing practice.

Course units are taught by nationally and internationally known scholars, authors, playwrights and poets who are specialists in their fields who write ground-breaking books, talk or write in the national media and appear at literary festivals around the world.

• Complementary disciplines for the aspiring playwright.
• Explore creative skills including dance or puppetry.
• Assessment through performance and coursework.
• Specialise in different literary forms: poetry, playwriting or fiction.
• Build a portfolio, creating, critiquing and shaping your own artistic work.

From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Course structure

Core modules.

You will take the following modules in Drama:

• Theatre and Performance Making 1
• Theatre and Text 1

You will take the following modules in Creative Writing:

In this module you will develop an understanding of a range of literary and cultural writing forms through reading, discussion and practice. You will look at poetry, drama and prose fiction alongside stand-up comedy, adaptation, translation, songwriting, and other forms of creative expression and articulation. You will learn how to offer clear, constructive, sensitive critical appraisals, and how to accept and appropriately value criticism of your own work.

In this module you will develop an understanding of a range historical perspectives on the function, forms, and value of creative writing. You will look at the genesis of particular genres, such as the short story, the novel and the manifesto, and consider relationships between historical genres and the contemporary writer. You will interrogate your own assumptions about creative writing and critically examine the relationship between creative writing and society.

 You will take two from the following modules in Creative Writing:

• Playwriting

You will choose one of the following modules. Each of these modules consists of a year-long independent project, working closely with a staff supervisor from the appropriate field.

• Playwriting 2

 You will take the following module in Creative Writing:

This module concentrates on a particular mode of writing, genre, theme, issue or idea. You will be encouraged to make creative work in relation to the focus, and develop your writing practice in relation to wider contexts relevant to the contemporary writer.

Creative Writing Special Focus courses are open to both creative writing and non-creative writing students.

Optional Modules

There are a number of optional course modules available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course modules that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new modules may be offered or existing modules may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.

• All modules are core

Optional modules in Drama may include:

In this module you will develop an understanding of non-traditional approaches to performance making that constitute the broader term ‘devised’ practice. You will look at methods of engaging with contemporary life, focussing on a number of key areas of devised practice, including their contexts, forms, and modes of documentation. You will consider the generative roles played by autobiography, the body, political activism and everyday life and use theoretical and practical research to develop your own performance pieces.

In this module you will develop an understanding of the methods of theatre directing. You will look at the role of the director from preparing a play text to staging a successful production, considering the collaborations between actors, designers, playwrights and producers. You will exmaine a variety of approaches to classic texts and new writing, and hone your skills by directing your peers in short scenes from a play of your choice.

In this module you will develop an understanding of the difference between stage acting and acting for camera. You will learn techniques for 'translating' your stage acting skills to mediated performance. You will collaborate through the year with directing students in the Department of Media Arts on an internal monologue film, a silent film, and a short scene, and these can later be used as part of an audition reel.

In this module you will develop an understanding of a range of theatre forms that integrate dance and drama. You will look at the variety of ways that practitioners have chosen to bring text and movement into creative dialogue, using scores, play texts, choreography and movement processes. You will examine the values and principles that drive such experimentation and reflect on the historical, political and cultural contexts within which these practitioners worked. You will consider the work of practitioners such as Pina Bausch, DV8, Frantic Assembly, Complicite, Caryl Churchill and Martin Crimp, and develop a small group performance devised in response to selected texts and styles of movement/dance.

In this module you will develop an understanding of the role of spatial design in a performance context. You will look at how designers respond to and make space for theatre to happen, and through the study of visual composition and visual langauge, will explore the role of spatial design in a performance context. You will consider the the work of a variety of practitioners and will test out your design ideas in a series of practical and performance workshops focusing on textual analysis, space and place, object, performer and the spectator.

In this module you will develop an understanding of how theatre practitioners have frequently sought to represent social reality in order to critique it. You will look at the naturalist stage of the late nineteenth century through to contemporary verbatim performance, and explore the methods and implications of theatre’s 'reality-effects'. You will consider why so many theatre companies and practitioners in the twenty-first century have turned to documentary, tribunal, verbatim and other forms of reality-based performance, and examine a range of contemporary plays and performance texts from around the world, building an awareness of the politics, possibilities and limitations of 'staging the real'.

In this module you will look at the work of debbie tucker green, one of the most exciting black playwrights of the early twenty first century, who's critical acclaim has recognised her original experimental linguistic virtuosity. You will explore the the performance possibilities of her playtexts, considering writing form alongside the topical social and political human rights issues she portrays, such as genocide, urban teenage violence, sex tourism and mental health. You will consider tucker green’s impact as a black British woman playwright by situating her plays in relation to trends in plays by other contemporary black British women playwrights, and examine her work within the context of 21st Century black British new writing.

In this module you will develop an understanding of the wide-ranging discussions of ecology and environmentalism in Shakespeare's plays. You will look at the relations between humans and the natural world, and consider contemporary environmental debates and theatre practices. Guest speakers, such as David Haygarth, Head of Energy and Sustainability at Royal Holloway, will address scientific and commercial topics such as the UN 15 sustainable development goals, and the Caryl Churchill Theatre’s green credentials. You will explore a range of plays by Shakespeare which stage the natural world, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, King Lear, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. You will also examine how environmentalism can impact both theatre and Shakespeare in performance.

In this module you will develop an understanding of children's theatre and the current success of theatre for young audiences. You will look at the innovative performance styles of theatre companies such as Oily Cart and Theatre-rites, and consider how their work has been pushing the boundaries of contemporary theatre. You will examine the Unicorn theatre, the first purpose-built theatre for children in London; playwrights such as Charles Way, Philip Ridley, Neil Duffield, Mark Ravenhill and David Greig; and the work of theatremakers such as Mark Storor and Sue Buckmaster, who bring a blend of visual art, puppetry and live art to performances for children. You will critically analyse how performance installations can excite children’s imaginations, focusing on the visual, tactile and aural elements of theatre and performance.

In this module you will develop an understanding of the diverse art forms that investigate memory in dynamic conversation and the nature of art, history, and humanity. You will look at the disruption to the purpose, value, and nature of art in the aftermath of the cataclysmic events of the Holocaust, and move through the twentieth century to consider different cultures of memory, memorialisation, trauma, and witnessing. You will examine a wide range of cultural textual and performative genres, including first-hand testimony, plays, films, graphic novels, museums, and public monuments.

In this module you will develop an embodied understanding of culture. You will look at different cultural contexts for dance production, considering the context of where, when and how you dance. You will examine the cultural production and consumption of dance, exploring theories grounded in cultural studies and their implications on dance and dancing bodies, such as Marxism, post-modernism, feminism, post-structuralism, post-colonialism, gender and sexuality, and psychoanalysis. You will focus on popular dance, global popular culture, and dance on screen, and investigate the relationship between dance practices and the social, political and economic context in which they emerge. You will be encouraged to devise performances which creatively engage with cultural studies.

• Theatre and Ideas: Ideas of Gender and Sexuality
• Theatre and Ideas: The Idea of Tragedy
• Theatre and Ideas: The Idea of Adaptation
• Theatre and Ideas: The Idea of the Musical
• Theatre and Ideas: The Idea of Acting
• Theatre and Ideas: The Idea of Money
• Theatre and Ideas: The Idea of Casting
• Love, Gender and Sexuality
• Race Relations in Theatre, Film and Television
• Shakespeare
• Naturalist Theatre in Context
• Creative Learning and Theatre
• Physical Theatre
• Shakespeare on Camera
• The Actor's Voice
• Actor Training in a Globalised World
• Group Project
• Final Year Project - Special Study
• Final Year Project - Dissertation
• Taught Dissertation

Teaching & assessment

Each year, you'll take two modules in each subject. Drama explores a whole range of dramatic and theatrical forms, conventions, periods, traditions and activities. You'll learn how to get intellectual ideas across in presentations and through performance. You'll also learn to work well in teams. In your first year, a foundation course, you'll get a grounding in contemporary theatremaking and critical theories. In your second and final years, you'll study alongside single honours students, taking half of your modules in Drama.

In your first year of Creative Writing, you'll take two introductory modules, before going on in your second year to specialise in two literary forms. In your final year, you'll wrap up by taking one of those forms to honours level.

The course has a flexible structure: students take twelve course units, four per year. Some are compulsory, and others you can choose. In your second and third years, you'll make up the marks that count for your final degree award. You'll also take a study skills course during your first year, to equip you with writing skills to make your degree count. This course won't count towards your final degree, but you'll need to take it to pass on to second year.

You'll be assessed through examinations, essays, seminar presentations, practical assignments and creative portfolios. In Drama modules, you'll often be assessed as part of a group.

Entry requirements

A levels: aaa-aab.

Required subjects:

• A in an essay-based Arts and Humanities subject at A-Level
• At least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9-4 including Maths and English.

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. For students who are from backgrounds or personal circumstances that mean they are generally less likely to go to university, you may be eligible for an alternative lower offer. Follow the link to learn more about our  contextual offers.

We accept T-levels for admission to our undergraduate courses, with the following grades regarded as equivalent to our standard A-level requirements:

• AAA* – Distinction (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism)
• AAA – Distinction
• BBB – Merit
• CCC – Pass (C or above on the core)
• DDD – Pass (D or E on the core)

Where a course specifies subject-specific requirements at A-level, T-level applicants are likely to be asked to offer this A-level alongside their T-level studies.

English language requirements

All teaching at Royal Holloway (apart from some language courses) is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start of your course.

The scores we require

• IELTS: 7.0 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
• Pearson Test of English: 69 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE IV.
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.

Country-specific requirements

For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please visit here .

Undergraduate preparation programme

For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements, for this undergraduate degree, the Royal Holloway International Study Centre offers an International Foundation Year programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills.

Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree at Royal Holloway, University of London.

There are plenty of performance opportunities to get stuck into while you're here, and they'll stand you in good stead when you graduate. You'll be familiar and confident in performance situations (skills which are vital for leading meetings and make you viable for visible leadership roles). You'll come off as credible and composed. You'll also walk away with considerable experience of technical, intellectual, imaginative, and practical skills, valued by most employers. Aside from these performance skills, you'll also get skills in research and project management from the academic side of the course. 

Our industry links mean you'll be able to pursue work experience with theatres and creative arts agencies. Recent graduates in the Department of Drama & Theatre have gone into careers in acting, writing, broadcasting (including at the BBC), literary agency, arts management, sound design, marketing/PR, teaching and community theatre work, as well as postgraduate study in different fields. Lots of our graduates also start their own performing arts companies. Find out more about what our graduates are doing now.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,250

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £23,800

Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs with studying this course greater than £50 per item. It is a requirement to purchase a pair of safety boots in the first year, for which a range of cost options are available. Ticket costs for mandatory theatre trips are capped at £10.

How do I pay for it? Find out more about  funding options , including  loans , scholarships and bursaries . UK students who have already taken out a tuition fee loan for undergraduate study should  check their eligibility  for additional funding directly with the relevant awards body.

**The tuition fee for UK undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £9,250 and is provided here as a guide. The fee for UK undergraduates starting in 2025/26 has not yet been set, but will be advertised here once confirmed.

**This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2024/25, and is included as a guide only. The fee for EU and international students starting a degree in 2025/26 has not yet been set, but will be advertised here once confirmed.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. Please be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree. The upper limit of any such annual rise has not yet been set for courses starting in 2025/26 but will be advertised here once confirmed.  For further information see  fees and funding  and the  terms and conditions .

***These estimated costs relate to studying this specific degree at Royal Holloway during the 2024/25 academic year, and are included as a guide. General costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing etc., have not been included.

Drama, Theatre and Dance Undergraduate Admissions

Admissions office: +44 (0)1784 414944

Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023 (Drama, Theatre and Dance)

Source: Complete University Guide, 2024 (Drama, Theatre and Dance)

Source: Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024

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• Scriptwriting

What is Drama — Definition, Examples & Characteristics

rama, an intricately captivating facet of human expression, skillfully weaves together narratives through powerful performances, invoking a myriad of emotions and profound thoughts.  It forms an extraordinary intersection where the art of the written word harmoniously intertwines with the dynamic artistry of physical depiction, breathing life into stories that resonate on both the grand stages and the silver screen. But what is drama, actually? Where does it come from, and what makes a story dramatic? Let’s find out.

Watch: How Genres Work and How to Subvert Them

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What is Drama Defined By?

First, let’s define drama.

Let's first pin down a clear definition of drama to understand what exactly constitutes this powerful form of art.

DRAMA DEFINITION

What is drama.

Drama is a captivating literary genre that is brought to life through performance. With its roots tracing back to the Greek word 'dran,' meaning 'to do' or 'to act,' drama encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions. It delves into the complexities of human emotions, intertwining the lives of characters in a web of conflicts and resolutions. Through compelling narratives and vivid portrayals, drama not only entertains but also stimulates deep contemplation and introspection. 

It offers a unique platform for exploring the human condition and shedding light on the diverse facets of the human experience. Whether on stage or screen, the power of drama lies in its ability to transport audiences into different worlds, allowing them to witness the triumphs, tragedies, and intricacies of life unfold before their eyes.

Types of Drama

History of drama, drama — a rich and varied history.

The history of drama is woven with threads from many civilizations, cultures, and time periods. Its evolution is a fascinating journey that traces the path of human societal progression.

Ancient Origins

Thespis, Athens, and The Origins of Greek Drama  •  Crash Course Theater

Over time, this ancient art form evolved, giving birth to the theatrical traditions that continue to shape and inspire contemporary performances. From the grand amphitheatres of ancient Greece to the modern stages of today, drama has transcended time, leaving an indelible mark on the human experience.

Drama Across Cultures

Throughout the centuries, drama has transcended borders and permeated diverse cultures and continents. Each region offered its own distinctive and captivating interpretation of this timeless art form. 

Whether it's the grandiose tragedies of ancient Greece, the refined Noh theater of Japan, or the vibrant and energetic Broadway productions, the universal language of drama continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide, connecting people through the power of storytelling.

Renaissance Leap

During the Renaissance, a remarkable leap occurred in the realm of drama. Playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe emerged onto the scene. They made profound contributions that forever shaped and elevated the genre. Their works captivated audiences with their eloquent language, intricate plots, and profound exploration of human emotions.

History of Ideas  •  The Renaissance

Through their masterful storytelling, they transported audiences to worlds both familiar and fantastical, leaving an indelible mark on the history of theater. The Renaissance became a golden age for drama, thanks to the artistic brilliance and creative ingenuity of these celebrated playwrights.

Evolution and Movements

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, drama underwent an intriguing evolution, propelled by influential artistic movements that sought to capture the essence of societal changes and delve into the depths of human psychology. 

The emergence of Realism , with its emphasis on depicting life as it truly is, provided a stark contrast to the fantastical realm of Surrealism , which explored the subconscious and challenged conventional notions of reality.

These dramatic movements, in their distinct ways, pushed the boundaries of theatrical expression, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of their time.

WHAT IS DRAMA AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

The power of performance.

The power to bring the written word to life in a captivating and powerful manner lies at the heart of drama. Through physical embodiment, characters become more than mere words on a page. From expression to gesture to costume, performers bring nuance and depth to their characters that can often only be conveyed through performance. 

Through facial expressions, actors can convey a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, anger to love. The subtle movements of the eyebrows, the curl of a lip, or the sparkle in the eyes can speak volumes and create a connection between the audience and the character. 

I, Tonya  •  Drama Examples

Physical gestures can communicate meaning and intention. A simple hand movement, a wave, or a pointing finger can convey a message, emphasize a point, or reveal a character's personality.

From the grand sweeping movements to the delicate subtleties, gestures add another layer of communication to the performance.

Drama Examples  •  Gestures and Performance

The choice of costume can instantly transport the audience to a specific time period or setting. It can reflect a character's status, personality, or even their hidden desires.

The colors, fabrics, and styles of the costumes enhance the visual storytelling and provide cues about the characters and the world they inhabit.

Costume Design — The Hidden Layer of Movie Magic

This transformation from text to living art is what makes drama so unique and powerful; it has the ability to transport an audience to a world of imaginative storytelling. The impact of expression, gesture, and costume on the stage brings the characters and their stories to life, creating a memorable and immersive experience for all.

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Various Types of Drama

In exploring the captivating world of drama, it's essential to recognize its diverse forms. The drama genre comes in diverse types, each with its unique storytelling techniques and thematic explorations. 

Hamlet  •  Tragedy Drama Examples

Comedy offers light-hearted plots with humorous outcomes. It aims to entertain and bring joy to the audience. A classic example is Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest , a witty and satirical play that explores mistaken identities and societal conventions.

Many wonder what is the difference in drama vs melodrama and how what distinguishes each. Melodrama exaggerates characters and emotions, creating intense and dramatic situations. It often includes exaggerated gestures and passionate dialogue. 

A famous melodramatic example is Gone with the Wind , a sweeping epic set during the American Civil War, filled with love, betrayal, and sacrifice.

Gone With the Wind  •  Drama Examples

Farce relies on slapstick humor and absurd situations to generate laughter. It often involves mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and chaotic events. One well-known farce is Michael Frayn's Noises Off , a play within a play that hilariously depicts the backstage antics of a dysfunctional theater troupe.

Historical Drama

Hamilton  •  Drama examples

Musical drama.

Musical dramas use singing and dancing to enhance the storytelling experience. They combine music, lyrics, and choreography to convey emotions and advance the plot. One iconic musical drama is Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera , a haunting love story set in the Paris Opera House.

Each type of drama offers a unique narrative style and provides audiences with diverse and captivating theatrical experiences.

What is Drama Evolving Toward?

Evolution of drama.

Throughout history, drama has evolved, skillfully adapting to societal changes, technological advancements, and shifting audience preferences. From ancient Greece to the digital performances of today, drama has transformed, remaining a dynamic medium of storytelling.

In the contemporary world, drama pushes boundaries, exploring complex themes and reflecting diverse realities. It sparks conversations and inspires change. 

Drama evolves, reflecting its environment and audience preferences. Looking ahead, the genre will adapt and innovate, maintaining its vital role as a conduit for storytelling and a catalyst for thought and conversation. 

Through its evolution, drama underscores the need for human connection, empathy, and understanding, reinforcing its enduring relevance and impact.

What is Comedy?

While the intensity and depth of drama allow us to dive into complex emotions and narratives, it's the lighter, more humorous side of storytelling that often provides a much-needed respite. This brings us to our next topic, comedy, an art form that uses humor as its central theme.

Up Next: Comedy Explained →

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The Writer's Depot

Welcome All Writers!

101 Riveting Drama Story Prompts

Do you want to write a drama but need help conjuring compelling dramatic stories and concepts? Sometimes reading simple genre story prompts is the easiest way to get those creative juices flowing.

We get our ideas from many sources — news headlines, novels, television shows, movies, our lives, our fears, our phobias, etc. They can come from a scene or moment in a film that wasn’t fully explored. They can come from a single visual that entices the creative mind — a seed that continues to grow and grow until the writer is forced to finally put it to paper or screen.

They may inspire screenplays, novels, short stories, or even smaller moments that you can include in what stories you are already writing.

Read More: Dead Poets Society’s Tom Schulman on How to Write an Oscar-Winning Drama

101 Drama Story Prompts

1. Long-lost twins find each other.

2. A father deals with the death of his whole family after a tragic accident.

3. A mother struggles with grief after losing her oldest child.

4. A recently divorced man returns to his hometown and reconnects with his childhood sweetheart.

5. A rich executive realizes the error of their ways and sells everything to travel the world.

6. A family discovers the truth about ancestors.

7. A father and son go on a safari to reconnect.

8. A family befriends a homeless person.

9. Parents learn that their college-age daughter has disappeared.

10. A man befriends the drunk driver who killed his parents.

11. A mother wants to realize her life-long dream and train for the Olympics.

12. A father is tasked with coaching his son’s soccer team, even though he has never played the sport.

13. A teacher deals with returning to school after a mass shooting.

14. A group of teen friends decides to stop their partying ways after a friend dies after a party.

15. A little boy struggles to fit in with the kids living in his new neighborhood.

16. A family that loses everything in a fire must rebuild their lives.

17. A family must adjust to the PTSD of the father after returning home from war.

18. An estranged family is reunited.

19. The President of the United States and his family go incognito to live a normal life.

21. A group of friends goes on a quest to bury a time capsule after one of their own dies.

22. A family travels to the American Frontier to find their new home.

23. A star baseball recruit struggles to decide whether he should take a scholarship or go pro.

24. A teen comes out of the closet in the rural Midwest.

25. Siblings learn that their parents were Soviet Union-era, sleeper agents.

26. A family on a wilderness retreat takes in a wounded bank robber.

27. A rich and affluent family loses everything and must live in the ghetto.

28. A group of families decides to move out of the city and live in a commune, cut off from the corrupt society.

29. A family sells everything to buy a sailboat to sail around the world.

30. A family finds a wild wolf pup.

31. Siblings start a successful business after their parents lose their jobs.

32. Two brothers do everything they can to ensure that their family gets to keep their house.

33. Two sisters navigate the difficult world of teen angst as their parents navigate the difficult world of keeping up with the Joneses.

34. A family decides to buy their own island.

36. A racecar driver dies, and his family struggles with grief.

37. An African-American family escapes the crime-ridden ghetto and moves into the suburbs.

38. A woman travels the world in search of love.

39. A family on a canoe trip is whisked away down the Mississippi River during a horrible storm and flood.

40. Kids discover an underground mine shaft and are trapped within it.

41. A bullied boy struggles to stand up to the bullies that torment him.

42. A bullied girl struggles to stand up to the mean girls of the school.

43. A family must survive when their plane crashes.

44. A family is willed in an old castle.

45. Two divorcees meet in a diner as one waits for a bus.

46. A man and woman fall in love during a layover.

48. A town must survive the worst flood in history.

49. A lawyer goes up against the government.

50. Overwhelmed parents leave their kids home and go for an adult vacation.

51. A small farm family avoids the invading armies of World War III.

52. An outcast nerd decides to organize an alternative Prom for other outcasts.

53. An Asian-American teen living in the rural south struggles to realize his dream of becoming a country music singer.

54. Athletic siblings from a split home face up against each other in the state tournament.

55. A dog struggles to find the right human family.

56. Puppy siblings separated by pet adoption escape bad homes to find each other.

57. Siblings in an orphanage escape and find their beloved aunt and uncle.

58. Past prison cellmates find each other after thirty years.

59. A WWII veteran struggles to return to normal life.

60. Two groups of kids from rival gangs are forced to live together in a house.

61. A boy from a rich and spoiled family wants them to live without their mansion, belongings, and money for a year.

62. A rich boy and poor girl convince their families to switch places for a year.

63. A family sailing the ocean waters must overcome the worst hurricane in history.

64. A grief-stricken cop that killed a teen struggles to reconcile with the family.

65. A mentally-challenged student wants to make the football team.

66. A physically-challenged student wants to letter in every sport in high school.

68. A woman that spent 30 years in prison returns to her hometown.

69. A father struggles with becoming a stay-at-home dad.

70. A woman that grew up in a family of football star boys decides to become the high school football coach.

71.  A family struggling in life sell everything to move to Hawaii.

72. A local town bands together as miners are trapped in the local mine.

73. Parents deal with their son robbing a bank and being on the run.

74. A city family inherits a farm.

75. A riverboat captain and his children attempt the first trip down the Mississippi River.

76. Childhood friends have reunited after thirty years apart.

77. The son of a poor family struggles to attain a sports scholarship so he can go to college.

78. A teenage girl decides to join the football team.

79. A World War II-era family starts a minor league baseball team to uplift the town.

80. The high janitor that students make fun of is actually a war hero.

81. A family adopts a puppy after losing the family dog.

82. A family is tasked with going on a unique scavenger hunt at the behest of the grandpa’s last will and testament.

83. A girl overwhelmed by middle school drama decides to be homeschooled.

85. Siblings mourn the death of their father and inherit his business.

86. A grumpy executive is forced to live with his family after a stroke.

87. A family must find each other after the worst earthquake in human history.

88. A family discovers that they are the descendants of Hitler.

89. A girl with Asperger’s Syndrome befriends a horse.

90. A disgraced boxer begins to train youth boxers.

91. A disgraced professional baseball manager starts a baseball team of inner-city kids.

93. A stay-at-home mother deals with empty nest syndrome.

94. A successful female executive leaves her career to spend quality time with her husband and children.

95. A young student has a crush on their teacher.

96. Former middle school best friends decide to have an old school sleepover after they’ve all gone their separate ways in high school.

97. A Post Civil War-era Union soldier returns to his southern hometown.

98. A beloved school teacher loses his family as the community bands together to become his new family.

99. A mob boss goes into the witness protection program and struggles to adjust to life in the suburbs.

100. The life of a girl is told as she grows into an adult.

101. A family decides to move into a lighthouse and take on the daily duties within.

Share this with your writing peers or anyone that loves a good dramatic story. Have some prompts of your own? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter !

WANT MORE IDEAS? TAKE A LOOK AT OUR OTHER  STORY PROMPTS !

What entails a drama concept.

Drama can be best defined as a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces. While other definitions can be found, this is best applied to the cinematic context of film and television.  Screenplays and teleplays focus on situations or series of events that involve interesting conflict — with the best kind of drama containing conflict that is intense and cathartic.  Conflict is everything in film and television. Without it, there is no story to tell. Nothing is interesting about a character that doesn’t struggle in some way, shape, or form.

Drama is also recognized as a specific genre of storytelling featuring realistic characters forced to deal with true-to-life issues and conflicts.  Yes, there is drama found in superhero movies, spy thrillers, and suspenseful horror stories. However, a drama — as defined by genre definitions — is a story that is embedded explicitly within reality, often involving characters that audiences can identify with because the conflicts they face are everyday struggles.

Read More: The Single Difference Between Cinematic Drama and Melodrama

Please note: Because we’re all connected to the same pop culture, news headlines, and inspirations, any similarity to any past, present, or future screenplays, novels, short stories, television pilots, television series, plays, or any other creative works is purely coincidence. These story writing prompts were conceived on the fly without any research or Google search for inspiration.

Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.

He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, and Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries Blackout , starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, the feature thriller Hunter’s Creed , and many Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies.

The post 101 Riveting Drama Story Prompts appeared first on ScreenCraft .

Go to Source Author: Ken Miyamoto

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Dramatic Situations

Dramatic situations – original creative writing exercises.

Many beginner writers fall at the first hurdle. That is, they can’t get past that blank page.

Looking at an empty screen or page can be very off-putting for a new writer. This is why writing exercises are so useful.

Exercises take away that blank page and stimulate creativity by challenging a writer to think about an idea that is already somewhat defined and therefore easier to imagine.

Each of the following dramatic situations is designed to appeal to our visual senses.

The images we see in our mind will depend on our own personal experiences, including experiences we may have of similar situations in books we have read, or films we have watched.

We are influenced in more ways than we might realize.

WE ARE UNIQUE

We are all unique and our life histories are different, therefore each of us will interpret these situations in varying ways.

The situations in these writing exercises may form the beginning, middle, or the end of the story.

The specific starter situations may not even form part of the story at all.

Sometimes writing exercises may only serve as triggers – it is all up to you!

 DRAMATIC SITUATIONS

▪   A small girl is lost on Main Street – how did she get there?

▪   He/she tried to open the window but it was jammed shut.

▪   You wake up to find yourself in a new universe.

▪   You open the fridge to find a head.

▪   He/she woke up in their bedroom to find the window/door bricked up.

▪   The envelope slid under the door.

▪   He/she was trapped in a lift with the one person they’d tried to avoid.

▪   He/she pulled out the plug.

▪   He/she was being accused of something so outrageous….

▪   The woman snatched the papers from my hand.

▪  The man with the syringe came closer.

▪   He/she was the last person to come to the house.

▪   No matter how many times you shook him – she wouldn’t wake up.

▪   It was something you’d never guess about your mother.

▪   The police had her/him pinned down.  He/she still struggled.

▪   A man is tied to a railway track – what happens next?

▪   The group moved across the field, as one.

▪   You knew what was in that case, even before you broke the lock.

▪   He/she came to the surface several times, thrashing about, spitting.

▪   The grave was small, neglected.

▪   When he/she returned there was a small shovel, leaning against the wall it hadn’t been there before.

▪   The brick came crashing through the window and landed at her feet.

MORE CREATIVE WRITING EXERCISES 

The above writing exercises are excellent triggers for stories but if you prefer a little less situation and a little less constraint – you will want to try these abstract creative writing exercises.

BECOME CREATIVELY ACTIVE

There are ways to be creative and productive – if you feel your mind has become stale or sluggish then I strongly recommend you try some creative writing activities  as well as some writing exercises.

USE YOUR JOURNAL

If you keep diaries or journals and would like to find more ways to incorporate your recollections and reflections into ideas for stories you will like my post on journal writing.

Good luck with your writing exercises and remember…

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.

Walter Elliot

PRACTICAL CREATIVE WRITING EXERCISES

You won’t be able to stop writing because these beautiful and inspiring exercises will banish your writing block right now.

Never Be Stuck Again!

 get ebook from amazon.com ,  get ebook from amazon.co.uk,   get paperback from amazon.com, get paperback from amazon.co.uk, get from smashwords, share this:, 4 responses to dramatic situations.

This website has been extremely helpful and has genuinely inspired me to continue writing even though I am totally stuck in ‘writer’s block’ !

Thank you:)

(The quote by Walter Elliot is great)

Glad to hear the site has helped you and sorry to hear about your writer’s block. There are lots of different things you can try to help get rid of writer’s block – why not try some of the techniques I suggest here: https://www.practicalcreativewriting.com/writers-block/ Best of luck Grace

One of the writing prompts is literally the part that im stuck on in my book sos

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[…] love with my idea which isn’t good. So instead I’m doing a few writing exercises found here. I’m trying to expand on these dramatic situations in approximately 100 words (+/- 10%). […]

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