You’re thinking about taking a writing course – maybe for the first time.

But once you start browsing, it’s hard to know what’s right for you. Some courses are too academic. Others feel like industry bootcamps. And many don’t explain clearly who they’re for, what the structure is, or what you’ll actually leave with.

Whether you’re writing for fun, confidence, or something more ambitious, here’s what to look for in a great adult scriptwriting class.

1. A provider that genuinely welcomes beginners

It sounds simple, but many writing courses either assume you’ve already written five plays – or speak down to new writers without meaning to.

You want:

• A course that clearly says it’s designed for beginners
• A calm, respectful environment that encourages ideas
• A class culture focused on discovery – not critique

At MAD, most people in our Writing for Performance (Beginners) course have never written a script before. They come from all walks of life – teachers, engineers, parents, freelancers, doctors, drivers, retirees. They’re curious, thoughtful, often a little nervous – and ready to give it a go.

2. Tutors who write professionally – and teach clearly

Scriptwriting is its own craft. It’s not just “creative writing with dialogue.”

You want tutors who:

• Work professionally in theatre, film, TV or radio – check what they have done
• Focus on the building blocks: structure, dialogue, and format
• Teach in a way that’s practical, supportive and geared to adults

At MAD, all our tutors are working writers with professional credits – including theatre plays, BBC radio, and major TV dramas. More importantly, they know how to break the craft down clearly, and help you find your own voice without the jargon.

3. A structure that builds your skills – and gives you something real

A good course should:

• Stretch you with exercises and prompts
• Give you space to write your own material
• Lead to a small but meaningful outcome

At MAD, our beginners’ course ends with a script-in-hand reading by actors. It’s informal, low-pressure – and often a lightbulb moment for writers hearing their words come alive for the first time.

4. A pathway for further growth

If you enjoy it, where can you go next?

Look for:

• Clear intermediate options after a beginner course
• Courses tailored to different forms: theatre, radio, film
• Flexibility to re-join or revisit modules as needed

At MAD, our Core Writing Pathway includes:
→ Writing for Performance (Beginners)
→ Then, rotating intermediate courses in:
    – Writing for Radio
    – Writing for Theatre
    – Writing for Film
    – Writing for Comedy
    – Writing for Soap

Many students retake courses to work on new drafts or genres — and that’s encouraged.

5. Clarity on time, cost and expectations

You should always know:

• How many weeks the course runs
• Whether writing outside of class is encouraged
• What’s included in the price – and what isn’t

At MAD:

• All writing courses are 10 weeks, 2 hours per week
• Students are encouraged to write between classes if they can
• Final sharings are included
• There are no hidden costs or upsells

6. Local knowledge and next-step support

Most people take our courses for personal development — but some want to explore further.

Look for a provider that:

• Knows the local theatre and new writing scene
• Can point you to real opportunities – not generic advice
• Respects progress in all forms, whether that’s writing a second draft or staging a full production

At MAD, we regularly highlight local opportunities like:

• The Royal Court Liverpool’s Stage Write programme
• The Everyman & Playhouse’s Playwrights’ Pathway
• New writing festivals and submission calls across Merseyside

We also encourage students to produce or stage their own work, and offer support where we can.