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A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS LEADING BEGINNERS FROM IDEA TO FINISHED SCRIPT, Writing Your First Play BY STEPHEN SOSSAMAN prevents false starts, common mistakes, frustrating dead ends, and writer's block.
The beginning writer will learn the secrets to effective structure, intriguing characters, and powerful dialog.
This writing-group tested guide breaks down a sometime overwhelming and intimidating task into a logical and manageable sequence. The emphasis on first-draft evaluation and effective revision will help the beginning playwright get it written and get it right.
List of contents
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.
Summary
For courses in Creative Writing, Playwriting and Drama.
This brief, practical workbook guides students step by step through writing their first play. It covers the process from selecting an idea to doing critical revision and saves students from common frustrations by explaining and walking through the basics. Great as a stand-alone, packaged with other creative writing texts or in drama or acting courses.
