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How to write a play
The title of this paper may seem presumptuous. Who am I that I should presume to proffer instruction in the art of the playwright, as difficult as it is dangerous? If you think how to write a play, know that if this hurrying twentieth century of ours were only the leisurely eighteenth century, when everybody had all the time there was, a fit name for this paper might be: "A few tentative Suggestions for those who propose to commence Playwrights, garnered from the Experience of an old Playgoer." That may be a more accurate, as it is a more cautious, description of the intent of the present paper; but it is a little too long drawn to serve as a title for an article on a topic of immediate interest to an immense number of ambitious aspirants.
It has been calculated by an imaginative statistician that there are now in these United States nearly one hundred thousand persons--men, women, and children--who are eager how to write a play, believing that the stage door is the easiest entrance to the Temple of Fortune and to the Hall of Fame. Whether or not this estimate is scientifically accurate may not be disclosed even when we have the figures of the new census. Quite possibly it is not at all inflated, since it allows only one apprentice playmaker to every thousand of the population. At all events, there are so many of them that advertisements have appeared of late addressed especially to those ignorant of dramatic art and yet ambitious to acquire it. "Playwriting Taught by Mail" is an alluring temptation which is probably charming subscriptions from the pockets of many an eager youth.
Step 1 for how to write a play
Begin with an idea. Inspiration can come from anywhere and at any time. Get inspired by an interesting person, a meaningful event, an interesting place or an important point that needs to be expressed. Plays are a great medium for expressing a concern or issue.
Step 2 for how to write a play
Develop the story before turning it into a play. Remember the same conventions of writing a story. Plot is extremely important, ending in a dramatic climax just like other stories. Character motivation will drive the plot. Organize the story and see if it fits into one act or five.
Step 3 for how to write a play
Create interesting characters. Good character development is essential to playwriting. They should have thoughts, feelings, passion, wants and needs. It is important in stage plays not to create too many characters, which would be confusing to an audience. Consider how many characters are needed to effectively tell the story. Some of the most intriguing plays have only one character, whereas some have dozens.
Step 4 for how to write a play
Create the world carefully. This is done partly in the designing of the set and costumes, but will need to be set up by the playwright in the dialog. If performing the play with little or no set or costumes, the audience only knows what the world is by what the characters say. It is important for the audience to understand in what context the play is being set.
Step 5 for how to write a play
Write believable dialog. Dialog is everything in a play. Some conventions may be used to give more information, such as the chorus used in ancient Greek plays, or soliloquies directly addressing the audience. However, dialog is generally the only way for playwrights to portray setting, character, feelings, thoughts, what is happening and what has happened before. It is important that the dialog being spoken by the character is believable and makes sense at the time it is being spoken.
Step 6 for how to write a play
Have a lot of action. In most cases, it is interesting for the audience to see the actors moving around on stage. Some of this is the work of the directors and actor later, but the play needs to allow for it.
Step 7 for how to write a play
Keep it simple. Remember that this is not a motion picture. Put the emphasis on good character development, a well thought plot and meaningful theme for the most successful play
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