Writing Your First Play » (1st Edition)

Concentrating on clearly stated fundamental principles, this brief but efficient reference guide takes writers, step-by-step, to the completion of their first play. A practical workbook, it covers everything from selecting an idea to doing critical revision—and how to avoid the frustrating errors that typically plague first time playwrights.

Chapter topics include situation and story, characters, play structure, keys to holding an audience, dialogue, stage movement, and theme. Exercises throughout the book focus on the playwright and the play in progress, allowing readers to better assess their own drafts.

For individuals and community writers groups—even those with little theatre-going experience, as they pen their first one-act or full-length naturalistic drama.

Introduction.

THE BEGINNING PLAYWRIGHT.

Are There Rules for Playwriting?

What Is Special About Theater?

Theater Isn't Film. Theaters' Requirements.

Being a Playwright.

The Writer's Workbook. Personal Journal.

Where Play Ideas Come From.

Situation. Story.

THE PLAYWRIGHT'S TOOLBOX.

Characters.

Major Characters. Protagonist and Antagonist. Levels of Motivation. Treating Characters As Individuals. Minor Characters. The Audience and Your Characters.

Play Structure.

Elements of Plot. Subplots. Acts. Scenes. Beats.

Five Keys to Holding Your Audience.

Emotions and Secrets. Conflict. Obstacles and Complications. Tension and Suspense. Action.

What Your Audience Sees and Hears.

Sets, Props, Lighting, Music, and Costumes. Stage Movement.

Dialog.

Dialog's Nine Major Functions. Characters Have Unique Speaking Styles. Pauses and Silences. Dramatic Irony. Subtext. Showing Emotions By Speech Disruptions. Exposition.

Theme.

WRITING YOUR FIRST PLAY.

Select and Evaluate Your Idea.

Decide How to Write Your First Draft.

If you Decide to Plan Carefully. If you Decide to Write Freely. Select a Working Title.

Write Your First Draft.

Troubleshooting. Writer's Block.

Evaluate Your Draft.

Evaluation Checklist.

Revise Your Play.

Develop Your Play.

Prepare Your Script and Ancillary Materials. Production Options.

What's Next?

Appendix A: Script Format.

Appendix B: Sample Synopsis.

Appendix C: Record of Submissions.

Appendix D: Addresses and Web Sites.

Appendix E: An Example: Ibsen's A Doll's House.

Index.