Continuing Education
Training for Theatre Makers.
Driven by Artists. Open to All.
Overview
Since 2015, PlayPenn has offered a dynamic roster of Continuing Education classes for theatre artists of all experience levels. While our courses are rooted in the craft of playwriting, they welcome all theatre makers—directors, dramaturgs, actors, producers, designers, and multidisciplinary artists—who are interested in deepening their storytelling skills and artistic practice.
PlayPenn’s classes are artist-led and student-centered, offering in-depth explorations of craft, process, and the realities of making theatre today. Many classes are available online, allowing students across the country to participate. Each year, we serve more than 125 emerging, mid-career, and seasoned artists looking to grow creatively and professionally.
In Spring 2025, PlayPenn is proud to expand its educational programming through a new collaboration with the Dramatists Guild Institute (DGI). This partnership reflects our shared belief that playwrights and theatre makers at all stages of their careers deserve affordable, high-quality training outside of traditional academic programs. Together, we’re building a broader, more inclusive ecosystem for theatrical education—one that centers the artist and meets them where they are.
As we grow, our mission remains rooted in PlayPenn’s history of innovation, access, and artistic rigor. When you take a class with PlayPenn, you’re not just expanding your skillset—you’re joining a community that champions bold voices and brave storytelling.
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Interested in future PlayPenn Classes? Join our mailing list!
Questions? Email Us!
Semesters
Our professional development classes are offered in three seasonal cycles:
Spring: March through May
Summer: June through August
Fall/Winter: October through early December
Each session features a curated lineup of classes for playwrights, musical theatre writers, and theatremakers at various stages of their careers. All classes are offered online unless otherwise noted.
What We’ve Taught
Whether you’re writing your first monologue or revising your third full-length, PlayPenn’s Continuing Education program is here to support your artistic evolution. Course topics span from foundational technique to bold experimentation, including:
Structure is Not a Dirty Word
with Emma Goldman-Sherman
Character & Behavior
with James Anthony Tyler
Script Analysis for Theatre Writers
with Pandora Scooter
Jumping from the Stage to the Screen
with Monet Hurst-Mendoza
A Musical How-To
with The Lazours
Solo Shows
with Che'Rae Adams
Self-Production Boot Camp
with Roland Tec
Writing an Autobiographical Play
with Angeline Larimer
Fabulism! Expanding Narratives Through Magic
with C. Julian Jiménez
Collaborating with a Dramaturg
with Karina Batchelor
…and many more. Explore our full archive of past classes.
Philosophy: Community and Craft
Sharing your play with the world is an incredible rush—but it’s also undeniably terrifying. After an often isolating writing process, your work is suddenly exposed for everyone to see. We understand how vulnerable that moment can be, and we’re passionate about helping writers navigate it with confidence and support.
At PlayPenn, we offer opportunities to test out new work, build skills, and find creative community. Our classes are designed to nurture artists at every stage of their writing journey. Whether you're developing a brand-new idea, revising a draft, or preparing for production, you'll find a welcoming space to explore and grow. Writers connect through shared experiences, inspire one another, and learn from accomplished instructors who are also working artists and industry professionals.
This ethos extends beyond the classroom into programs like The Foundry, our intensive writers’ group for emerging Philadelphia playwrights, and our public readings of student works-in-progress held throughout the year.
By joining a PlayPenn class, you’re not just gaining tools—you’re entering a vibrant, supportive network of playwrights, dramaturgs, directors, actors, producers, recent grads, and theatre lovers at every level of experience. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Eligibility
PlayPenn’s Continuing Education classes are open to all playwrights and theater makers, regardless of experience level. Please note some classes may have specific requirements or recommendations - such as prior writing experience, reading assignments, or submission of materials. Any requirements will be clearly outlined in each class description. .
