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35 Best Screenplay Creative Writing Classes in 2026

Showing 35 courses that match your search.

How to Write for the Screen

GrubStreet

The course covers screenplay structure, scene building, character development, and formatting basics. It is designed to help participants turn their ideas into scripts while connecting with others in screenwriting.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

April, 2026

Price:

$85.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 1 day, 3 hour session

Class size: 50 seats max

Advanced Structure Lab: Break The Story Free with Dean Bakopoulos

Lighthouse Writers Workshop

A seminar focused on utilizing dramatic structure for narrative writing, applicable to screenplays, short stories, and novels. It includes generative exercises and a character-based approach to overcoming creative obstacles.

Website: https://www.lighthousewriters.org/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

June, 2026

Price:

$780.00

Online course

Level: Advanced

Length: 5 days, 2 hours each day

Class size: 15

Prerequisites: Experience in screenwriting or prose writing is required.

The Salon Reading Series

The Writing Salon

A seasonal event featuring readings by Writing Salon instructors and their students.

Website: https://www.writingsalons.com/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

January, 2026

Price:

Free

Based in San Francisco

Level: Any

Length: 1 hour

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

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Writing 1

Second City

This course covers sketch writing fundamentals, comedic structure, and proper formatting. Students learn to develop ideas into sketches and pitches, focusing on creativity and structure.

Website: https://www.secondcity.com/classes/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$345.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 7 weeks, 2.5 hours per class

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

An Editor's-Eye Look at Book Submissions

GrubStreet

This seminar explores how backstory and flashback can enhance narratives by providing context and character motivation. Participants analyze passages from noted authors and engage in writing exercises to apply techniques learned. 18+

Website: https://grubstreet.org

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$65.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 1 or 2 Day Seminar

Class size: 50 seats max

Scripts in Focus

Gotham Writers Workshop

A 6-week class combining lectures and exercises focusing on scriptwriting for various genres, analyzing film and TV scripts weekly.

Website: https://wp.writingclasses.com/courses/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$354.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 6 weeks

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Creating Authentic Emotional Conflict

Writer's Digest University

This self-paced course focuses on developing characters and story cohesively, ensuring emotional connections with the audience. It culminates in the creation of a completed first act of a script.

Website: https://www.screenwritersuniversity.com/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$20.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: Self paced

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Screenwriting 101

Rekindle School

In this course, learn screenplay writing, practice writing scenes and short scripts, receive feedback on your work. Covers screenplay formatting, structure, target audience, treatments, log lines, and marketing strategies.

Website: https://www.classesandworkshops.com/writing-classes

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

February, 2026

Price:

$175.00

Based in Seattle

Level: Beginner

Length: 4 weeks (1 session per week)

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Creating Authentic Emotional Conflict

Screenwriters University

This course focuses on developing authentic emotional conflict in storytelling, helping writers to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. It includes video lessons, practical exercises, and feedback from instructors.

Website: https://www.screenwritersuniversity.com/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$199.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: Est. 4 weeks, with 8 lessons

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

The 90-day Screenplay Workshop

L.A Writers' Lab

A live-on-Zoom workshop guiding participants through the screenplay creation process in 90 days. It includes craft lessons, film screenings, daily writing exercises, and group discussions. Participants can watch recorded sessions for three weeks if they miss the live class.

Website: https://lawriterslab.com/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$1,499.00

Based in Los Angeles

Level: Any

Length: 14 weeks (one 1.5-hour session per week)

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Screenwriting: Introduction

University of Toronto

This course covers essential screenwriting elements such as story, character, plot, scene, structure, and dialogue, with practical screenings and writing exercises.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

February, 2026

Price:

$503.00

Based in Toronto

Level: Beginner

Length: 20 hours, over of 8 sessions

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Online Screenwriting - Story & Structure

New York Film Academy

Intensive project-based workshop covering screenplay structure, story development, and character creation. Students learn to write a film treatment, plot feature film ideas, and engage in interactive classes.

Website: https://www.nyfa.edu/

Categories: Screenplay

Start date:

August, 2026

Price:

$2,200.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 15 weeks, 3 hours per week

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

How to choose a screenplay writing class

Looking to build your writing skillset, learn more about your genre, or finally finish that screenplay you’ve been working on? You’re in the right place. That’s why we built this directory of the best creative writing courses.

However, creative writing classes aren’t one size fit all. If you’re planning to join a screenplay writing class in particular, you’ll want to make sure that it matches what you’re seeking to learn about writing screenplays.

So make sure to consider the following questions when you’re researching screenplay writing courses:

  • Who is the instructor? How many years of experience do they have in writing screenplays?
  • Is there something in particular you’d like to learn about screenplays? Does this course include it?
  • How long is the course, and where is it taught?
  • How much does the screenplay writing course cost? Does it fit into your budget?

More screenplay writing resources

Whether you’re a new or established author, there are always evergreen resources out there to how to get a headstart on screenplay writing. 

Free online materials

Recommended books

 

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