MasterClass – David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing

David Mamet He sat in on a game of poker with thieves and was left with the idea for American Buffalo. Now, the Pulitzer Prize-Glengarry Glen winning writer File size: 1.98GB

MasterClass – David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing

David Mamet He sat in on a game of poker with thieves and was left with the idea for American Buffalo. Now, the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of Glengarry Glen Ross takes you through his process for turning life’s strangest moments into dramatic art.

In his writing class, he’ll teach you the rules of drama, the nuances of dialogue, and the skills to develop your own voice and create your masterpiece.

01. Introduction

David This outline outlines the topics he will cover in class and how you can get great drama writing mindset.

6:53
02. Drama’s Purpose

Are you trying to understand drama? Take a look at everyday life. David teaches you how to recognize drama at its best—when it seeks to simply entertain, not teach.

12:22
03. Purpose of Drama (Cont.)

Find out how drama is used as a form or myth. It enlightens us about the complexity of the human condition and gives us a way to express those concerns.

8:10
04. Dramatic Rules

Dramatists are responsible for telling stories. David This guide will show you how to simplify your story using Aristotle’s Poetics. Find out how to make your hero’s journey the central focus of your narrative.

11:48
05. Dramatic Rules (Cont’d)

Begin at the beginning of your story, and continue on until you reach the end. Anything that’s not plot is best thrown out. David This course teaches you how to write well and what to leave out of your script.

8:22
06. Story Ideas

David Learn how to use your life experiences and fantasies to create drama. Find drama where you least expect it, and you will find the inspiration for many of his plays.

10:37
07. Character

David teaches you what character really is—action. You will learn how to set objectives for your characters, and avoid common mistakes.

11:34
08. Plot

The plot is the most important aspect of a plot. Get to know the key ingredients of a plot such as the precipitating and the secondary events-Problem with acting Find out how to uncover the plot behind your scenes.

16:14
09. Structure the plot

David This video will share his method of structuring a story and show you how to connect them.

13:48
10. Structuring a Plot (Cont’d).

Learn all about the structure of a three-part building-Act play and how to achieve cohesiveness across acts.

10:32
11. Case Study: American Buffalo Structures the Plot

David The history of American Buffalo is discussed and delves into the plot. You will learn the symbolism behind the eponymous coins and how the narrative speaks to viewers at a deeply human level.

21:30
12. Case Study: Structuring The Plot – Glengarry Glen Ross

David Glengarry Glen Ros was inspired by this interview. This discussion also addresses the difference between drama and tragedy.

21:45
13. Dialogue

Learn how David His style of writing dialogue is well-known as “Mamet-speak,” Where to get inspiration for great dialogue.

7:21
14. Dialogue (Cont’d)

David Discusses what motivates dialogue and how to create a rhythm and musicality in your characters’ speech patterns.

13:05
15. Narration & Exposition

Writing Communicating information is different from drama. Dramatists are expected to entertain the audience, not bore them. Learn how to identify unnecessary narration and exposition, and how to let your audience help you cut it.

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14:15
16. Scenes

Three things must be included in every scene. These are the essential elements of a scene. Learn how to identify and eliminate scenes that are not necessary.

8:57
17. Writing Process

David He discusses his writing process, how he finds inspiration, how he manages writer’s block and how Hemingway helps him to get started.

9:26
18. Writing Process (Cont.)

David He explains that there is no magic bullet that will fix your script.

12:02
19. The Audience

Learn how David He is devoted to his audience and knows what they want from the theatre.

9:29
20. Lies & Truth

Writers, it is your responsibility to not lie. David The author discusses the reasons that the audience visits the theatre to hear the truth, and how drama can aid in our search for it. Two of his most beloved plays serve as examples of him communicating the truth.

9:56
21. Lies & Truth (Cont’d)

David He continues to talk about the truth through two of his most controversial works, Oleanna and Race.

11:48
22. Actors

Learn from DavidHe discusses his views on what makes an actor great and how to find the right actors for your play.

11:43
23. Actors (Cont’d).

David He shares his thoughts on what great actors should and shouldn’t do.

7:28
24. The life of a dramatist

Although life as a dramatist can be difficult, dedication and passion for your craft can make it easier.

7:06
25. The Life of a Theater Actor (Cont’d).

David Experience the self-doubt common amongst writers. How he overcomes it, and what to do to prevent yourself from becoming a writer.

8:20
26. Closing

David He leaves you with a few words of wisdom and an emotional tale from his favorite science fiction novel.

7:28

Here’s what you’ll get in MasterClass – David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing