Fundamentals of directing and writing

For those planning to start their journey in cinema or theatre

Starts on 7 December

12 classes, 3 months.
One class a week, from 11:00 to 13:00
Join

In this course you will

  • Learn the fundamental principles of dramatic structures (i.e. ways of capturing the audience)

  • Get a basic understanding of writing and theatrical production

  • Write your own poems, a play, a short story, and even create photo essays that will stay with you

  • Receive a Certificate of Advanced Training (upon completing all of the assignments)

About the course
90% of everything we’ve seen on screen, on stage, or heard in music shares a common element: it allows us to follow the story’s twists and turns without losing interest. It builds tension and only resolves at the end. This element is the very foundation of directing, writing, and storytelling – and it’s called dramatic structure. Almost every work of art develops and unfolds according to its principles
It’s not just about the classical structure of exposition, climax, and resolution, but also about the broader principles of conflict and contrast. About subtle twists and deceptive turns, false finales and obstacles that stand in the way of the hero and/or the viewer. About suspense and the principle of rising tension so beloved by film-makers. And about other remarkable tools that let us unlock any work of art that possesses the fourth dimension – time.
Important disclaimer
Dramatic structure is applicable only to works of art that unfold over time. Painting and architecture, for example, do not follow this kind of development: a painting looks the same now as it will in five minutes. By contrast, a film, a play, or a symphony is constantly changing
If you would like to understand and learn how to use this fundamental, cornerstone, and essential tool for capturing and holding the audience’s attention – welcome!

Who this course is for:

  • Those who see themselves in the arts

  • Actors

  • Directors

  • Screenwriters and playwrights

  • Choreographers

  • Composers

  • Anyone working in theatre or film

What the course involves
This course consists of 12 online classes, 2 hours each. They cover various ways of engaging the audience’s attention – in other words, various dramatic structures and how to apply them. Students will complete six home assignments throughout the course, experimenting with various techniques in a wide range of formats, genres, and art forms: from music and photographic studies to exercises in directing, and of course, text – both prose and play-writing.

Director Tanya Weinstein on the “Fundamentals of directing and writing” course
Programme
We will also read hokku, Chekhov and Shakespeare, Gorchev and Akutagawa – this course will show you that pop culture and myth, grand tragedy and a joke are fundamentally same.

Course outcome
Each student will complete a final project: a short film statement, a piece of dramatic writing, a photo story, or a choreographic composition – the genre is not important. What matters is that the work reflects the assigned theme and applies the dramatic tools learned during the course.
Upon completing the programme, you will receive a Certificate of Advanced Training in Dramatic Structure issued by Part Academy.
Enrol Consultation
About the teacher
Tanya Weinstein
Part Academy artistic director, theatre and film director, and choreographer.

SPSU, Faculty of History, Department of Ethnography and Anthropology (2003)
SPbGATI, Theatre Directing (2008)
Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, Master’s Programme in Composition of Contemporary Dance Forms (2014)
UWM, Film Department (internship, 2017-2018)

Tanya has directed more than 50 stage productions in Russia, Europe, Asia, and the USA. She has worked with Meyerhold Center (Moscow), Praktika Theatre (Moscow), Svenska Teatern (Helsinki), the Akimov Comedy Theatre (Saint Petersburg), Viirus Theatre (Helsinki), and Teatro Sociale di Como (Milan). She has also collaborated with university theatres in Berkeley, Loyola, Milwaukee, and Chicago. As a film director, she has created two feature films, a six-episode series, and a number of short films and music videos.

“Make art before anything else. The more people make art, the better humanity becomes. And nothing will convince me otherwise.”
– Tanya Weinstein, director, course teacher, Part Academy artistic director

Student creations
Alumni Testimonials
Daragru
I was so excited that I decided to write a post here, even though most of my posts have moved to my Telegram channel. Yesterday was the final lesson of @weinsteintanya’s course.
I’m a bit sad that this adventure has come to an end. From the first lesson, I was hooked – so much so that I didn’t miss a single class, and even re-watched some of them. The information was delivered in a very structured way, with no fluff.
And Tanya’s voice and manner of speaking are so pleasant that you just want her to keep talking on and on…
I learned that I’m capable of a lot – I just need to start DOING. Also that deadlines are magic! Perhaps, that’s where the muse hides…
I’m a chaotic person who navigates life by intuition and feelings – because doing it any other way turns out badly – but now I can dissect almost any work of art with near-surgical precision.
About 5 years ago, I started to understand what Vyrypaev was writing about, and now, thanks to Tanya, I know HOW he does it – and I can see structure, not just delirious ramblings. For two weeks we were doing assignments with only a couple of days to complete them, even though the same work could easily be stretched out over months 😅. Every time, it felt like a challenge: not only did I finish the assignment, but also turned it in on time. 
There were moments when I was running late, missing deadlines, ready to give up. But I kept going. 
Tanya might have been exhausted after ten hours of work, but in class she always gave it her all — it was such a pleasure to read, watch, and analyse the exercises. And the other students added to the experience, making it even more engaging 💚 
I came back with an elixir. Life will never be the same 🤎💪🏽🫶🏽 
Daragru
I was so excited that I decided to write a post here, even though most of my posts have moved to my Telegram channel. Yesterday was the final lesson of @weinsteintanya’s course.
I’m a bit sad that this adventure has come to an end. From the first lesson, I was hooked – so much so that I didn’t miss a single class, and even re-watched some of them. The information was delivered in a very structured way, with no fluff.
And Tanya’s voice and manner of speaking are so pleasant that you just want her to keep talking on and on…
I learned that I’m capable of a lot – I just need to start DOING. Also that deadlines are magic! Perhaps, that’s where the muse hides…
I’m a chaotic person who navigates life by intuition and feelings – because doing it any other way turns out badly – but now I can dissect almost any work of art with near-surgical precision.
About 5 years ago, I started to understand what Vyrypaev was writing about, and now, thanks to Tanya, I know HOW he does it – and I can see structure, not just delirious ramblings. For two weeks we were doing assignments with only a couple of days to complete them, even though the same work could easily be stretched out over months 😅. Every time, it felt like a challenge: not only did I finish the assignment, but also turned it in on time. 
There were moments when I was running late, missing deadlines, ready to give up. But I kept going. 
Tanya might have been exhausted after ten hours of work, but in class she always gave it her all — it was such a pleasure to read, watch, and analyse the exercises. And the other students added to the experience, making it even more engaging 💚 
I came back with an elixir. Life will never be the same 🤎💪🏽🫶🏽 
Aleksandra
Hey Tanya!
Here’s my review of the dramatic writing course!
It was my first directing course, and I’m so glad that it was with you!
You made it incredibly interesting and insightful.
Seeing examples of the structures and everything we covered in the films, excerpts, and plays you shared with us was amazing. And the home assignments where we created our own art – even more so!
Thank you for this experience, for your super-clear presentations, and for recording our lectures!
I re-watched every lesson at my own pace, which really helped me absorb everything better!
I can’t wait to join another one of your courses!
Huge thanks to you, and big hugs 🤍🤍🤍
Sonya
Таня, привет 🤍
Пишу отзыв по курсу драматургии!
Это был мой первый курс по режиссуре, и я счастлива, что он был с тобой! Ты сделала его таким интересным, познавательным.
Смотреть примеры структур и всего того, что мы изучали на уроке, в высланнах тобой фильмах, отрывках, пьесах — огонь.
А домашние задания по созданию собственного искусства — двойной огонь!
Благодарю тебя за этот опыт, за все твои удобные презентации и за то, что делала записи с наших лекций!
Я пересмотрела каждый урок повторно и в своём темпе, так как в моей голове всё так лучше усваивается!
Очень жду возможности попасть на другой твой курс!
Огромная благодарность тебе! И крепко обнимаю 🤍🤍🤍
До встречи на будущих премьерах пьес/кино!!! 💃🏻
Course price
  • 12 live webinar classes (not pre-recorded)
  • Review and discussion of all assignments during class
  • Recording of all course classes for later reference
  • 24/7 access to the course chat
  • Lifetime access to all guides, learning materials, and presentations
  • Certificate of Advanced Training (upon completion and submission of all assignments)
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Start date: 7 December
Duration: 3 months

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About the academy
Part is a modern academy of performing arts that trains professionals working in film and theatre and supports them in creating their own artistic projects.
For over 15 years, we have been giving our students the opportunity to become part of the wider creative industry and express their own unique vision of art.