Dramatic Writing

The story is the root of all theater and film. In collaboration with the UAF Department of English, we offer opportunities for students to study and practice dramatic writing for stage and screen. Students have successfully developed their scripts and screenplays for production, including showcases as part of the UAF Winter Shorts, UAF Thaw Out Film Festival, and in conjunction with Film Set Production courses.

Devised from Winter Shorts 2015 featuring Cynthia Jones, Katrina Kuharich, Sierra Trinchet | Photo courtesy of UAF Theatre & Film

Selected Works

Actors on stage during the 2017 Winter Shorts production of Ace by Frederica Matumeak, directed by Lara Lotze — Ace (Winter Shorts, 2017)

Actors on stage during the 2017 Winter Shorts production of Over the Line by Freddy Gryder, directed by Adam Gillette — Over the Line (Winter Shorts, 2017)

Two actors on stage in The Writer by Chip Bolcik, directed by Freddy Gryder — The Writer (Winter Shorts, 2017)

Actors on stage in the production of Home by Vinecia Coleman, directed by Mary Conlin — Home (Winter Shorts, 2017)

"Cacetugmi," part of the Spring Shorts 2017, featuring (from left to right) Jared Olin, Bella Sellers, Brittany Bowling, and Hardy Louihis. Written by Kavelina Torres and directed by Frederica Matumeak. UAF Photo — Cacetugmi (Spring Shorts, 2017)

"Gabby's Descent," part of the Spring Shorts 2017, featuring (from left to right) Sam Thompson and Brittany Bowling. Written by Kavelina Torres and directed by Emily Ross. — Gabby's Descent (Spring Shorts, 2017)

The cast of the Stephen King Cameo (Winter Shorts 2016) gathers around writer Jill Shipman. UAF Photo

Courses

The Dramatic Writing area of study offers a comprehensive education that blends theoretical insights with practical skills. Key courses include FLPA F231/ART F231: Previsualization and Preproduction for Digital Filmmaking, which teaches 3D animation and production planning, and FLPA F413: Analyzing Global Performance, which enhances script analysis and interpretation skills. The FLPA F488/ENGL F488: Dramatic Writing course focuses on storytelling elements such as structure, character, and dialogue, preparing students for various careers in the entertainment industry by honing their creative and technical abilities.