Developing Dialogue

Revise and improve dialogue for plays, screenplays, and novels

Developing Dialogue
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WHEN 6 weeks, September 15 - October 27
Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intermediate/Advanced

PRICE
$425 ($400 for )
more info

Course Details

Dialogue and subtext play several major roles in a good screenplay, stage play, or novel. Great dialogue moves the plot forward, supports your characterizations, and externalizes conflict. In this intensive course, we will explore the craft of dialogue through lectures, readings, film viewing assignments, workshopping of student scenes, and writing exercises. You will learn how to improve your existing dialogue through editing and revision. This class will focus on writing dialogue, and is not an introduction to the fundamentals of narrative writing in general. Students are assumed to have had specific experience with the basics of screenwriting, playwriting, or fictional prose prior to taking this class.

In this class, you will learn:

  • How experienced dramatists and novelists use subtext and actions to create naturalistic dialogue
  • How to deepen your characters' psychology and identity to better differentiate them from each other
  • How to enhance your storytelling abilities to create dramatic but believable narratives
  • The traditional three-part action structure common to many novels, screenplays, and plays
  • How to create conflict between characters without resorting to overwrought melodrama
  • How to complete an outline of your plot from beginning to end

By the end of class, you will have:
A practical, working knowledge of the interplay between dialogue, character, and plot and the ability to continue developing this knowledge on your own to complete your works

Admission Requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

  • Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
  • Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
  • Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
  • Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

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Instructor Bio

Jeffrey Stanley's Courses

Developing Dialogue – (Class starts September 15)

Jeffrey Stanley
Jeffrey Stanley has been hired to write screenplays for several indie production companies and most recently optioned his comedy Jane Henry: A Tribute to GreeneStreet Films which he will direct. His screenplay Brain On Fire, which he will also direct, has been optioned to producer Matthew Myers, and his award-winning short film Lady in a Box starring Sarita Choudhury has been licensed for international TV broadcast. He has also written screenplays for acclaimed director Barbara Kopple and for Andrew Lauren Productions.

Jeffrey's screenwriting awards include the Graduate Achievement Award from New York University, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Screenplay Award, the New York Picture Company Award for Best Dramatic Screenplay, the Tennessee National Screenwriting Competition, and the Laurel Entertainment Award for Screenwriting Excellence. Jeffrey's 1999 play Tesla's Letters received rave reviews, publication, and productions around the world, including the 2007 Chicago premiere. He has also appeared as a guest writer in The New York Times and Time Out New York.

Testimonials


Jeffrey Stanley is a talented writer who knows how to teach. He not only gives you the basics, he helps you develop your script wherever you are in the writing process. Highly recommended!
-- Tim Burr & Aaron Stoker-Ring, Final Draft Screewriting Competition Semi-Finalists

"Jeffrey Stanley is a great teacher. I took a class of his some time ago and I continue to use his notes as my primary source of reference. I highly recommend him." -- James Nance, Jr., Remnant Arts and Communications, LLC

"I know Jeff as a working New York City playwright, screenwriter, and teacher. He's in the mix, makes himself available to those who want to learn, and most importantly, he's got the goods on craft." -- Courtney Kopec

"Nobody can teach anyone to write if the basic talent and interest are lacking. Jeffrey Stanley has the knowledge, experience, talent and skills to take a mid-level professional writer and provide him or her with the tools to compete in the big leagues." -- Spencer Michlin
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