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For thousands of years, people have told stories - created drama to express opinions and garner public opinion. Drama is intrinsically woven into the fabric of our society, from the productions that we watch on stage, to the films and TV programs that form our opinions. In the right context, this ultimately makes it a powerful tool for social change. “Art does not exist only to entertain, but also to challenge one to think, to provoke even to disturb, in a constant search for the truth” - Barbara Streisand This course gives participants the theory and skills they need to craft great stories through drama. While the course focuses on video, the techniques can also be applied to radio, theatre, and literature.  The course includes advanced script-writing in which story arcs and character guides are developed. During the course, we plan the narrative from treatment to storyboard and finally shoot short-form dramas (e.g. a webisode or short film). You will understand how to tell stories and produce narratives that can change attitudes through target audience behaviour mapping techniques. Alongside story theory, the course explores how drama can be used to teach people new knowledge, skills and attitudes. Stories can be incredibly powerful: casting minorities and under-represented members of society in a film or series can have a major impact on viewers, and ultimately change their attitudes and behaviours in the real world. Look at how many films now have strong female leads and portray stories about racial minorities and members of the LGBTQ society. The world is changing, and it’s about time. The course also introduces participants to hundreds of different formats, genres, and styles of drama, including cinema, series and web content. All this provides you with the creative techniques to tell great, persuasive stories in an original way. Dramas conceptualized during our courses have gone on to screen at major film festivals, and have won significant awards and shown direct impact. During your three weeks at RNTC, you will develop a social change drama for a cause you are passionate about.