Play Definition
A play (PLAY) is a literary work written for the theater that dramatizes events
through the performance of dialogue and stage directions. The authors of plays, called
playwrights, structure the performances into acts and scenes, which help build the
tension and present the story in a compelling way for audiences. There are a few types
of plays, such as those written for the stage, for radio (radio plays), and for television
or motion pictures (screenplays).
Plays are typically divided into two main genres: dramas, which are serious in tone
and often tragic, and comedies, which are lighthearted and funny. All plays, however,
aim to entertain and share meaningful insights into this human experience. Even when
plays are more experimental or absurdist in nature, they speak to emotional truths and
inspire critical thought.
The Elements of Plays
A typical play contains the following elements: acts and scenes, characters, dialogue,
plot, setting, and stage directions.
Acts and Scenes
Playwrights break the action of their plays into larger sections called acts, with
individual acts broken up into smaller sections called scenes. Each scene presents a
pivotal moment in the plot or in the development of the characters. Some plays are
one-act plays, where all the drama unfolds in a single act; a playwright may or may
not divide them into smaller scenes.
Characters
The characters are the people whom the play is about, with the dramatic action
resulting from their choices, behaviors, and relationships. Characters are central to the
plot of any play because, without them, the playwright cannot tell the story.
Dialogue
Dialogue is just as important as character in any play because it propels the action
forward and informs the audience about what’s happening onstage, who the characters
are, and their relationships to one another. Dialogue encompasses all the spoken parts
of the play. This takes the form of conversations between characters or asides spoken
to the audience.
Plot
The plot is the sequence of events linking the story together and presenting it in a
cohesive, compelling way. Plot consists of five general elements: an introduction that
introduces the characters and setting; rising action; a climactic scene or scenes; falling
action; and a resolution.
Setting
The setting is where the action of the play takes place. Setting can refer to both the
geographic area (city, state, country) and the exact location of the action in a given
scene (a specific room in a house, an office, a public space like a park or a beach,
etc.).
Stage Directions
Stage directions are the only other text that appears in a play script. They are not
spoken; instead, they function as directions to the actors, director, and other creatives
producing the play. They stipulate when characters enter and exit a scene; how actors
should speak or react to certain lines; what the sets should look like; and any
supplemental information that enhances the experience of the play, such as specific
musical selections, types of lighting to use, and sound effects to employ.
From:
https://www.supersummary.com/play/
What Is Playwriting?
Playwriting is the art of crafting a dramatized narrative for a theater production.
Playwrights compose playscripts for characters to perform live on stage in front
of an audience. Whether the artist chooses to write a full-length play or a
powerfully concise one-act piece, this type of dramatic writing affords a great
degree of creative freedom.
How to Write a Play
1. Determine your story. Brainstorm a few ideas that translate to the stage.
Consider the message of your play, and invent a central conflict that
underscores what you want to say. Everything in your narrative will
happen live on stage, so keep production elements like space
and special effects in mind. If you have a complex or surreal concept,
think of a creative way to represent it physically.
2. Determine the main character. Stage plays are largely character-driven
stories. Believable fictional characters are unique, relatable, and three-
dimensional. A character’s motivations inform their actions and
decisions, creating the narrative arc in the story. Identify the protagonist
(the main character) and their goals, traits, and backstory. Craft a
compelling antagonist to bring conflict to the main character or
supporting characters.
3. Outline your idea. Begin outlining your play by separating it into acts.
Common structures include the one-act play (which is very short), the
three-act play, or the five-act play. Write down the beginning, middle, and
end of your play, including major story beats and plot points surrounding
your main conflict. Separate your plot points into their respective acts,
following a pattern of rising action (leading up to the climax) and falling
action (leading up to the resolution).
4. Input stage directions. Consider stage movement when drafting your
playscript. Include stage directions (such as entering and exiting the
stage) and any physical actions necessary to the storyline or character
development. Actors need the freedom to embody the character in their
own way, so don’t get overly specific with movement description. Note
important elements about set design, lighting, or props.
5. Write your acts. Once you have your narrative arc, flesh out the body
and action of the play. Write the play out of order if it helps with your
creative flow. Each act should contain its own arc within the larger
narrative, always highlighting the play’s theme and message. Break long
scenes of dialogue up with action, tension, or surprise.
6. Use proper formatting. Like writing for the screen, scriptwriting for the
stage follows specific formatting conventions. Format your play correctly
to ensure it is easy to read and looks professional. Most playscripts
center and capitalize the character names on the page; indent and
italicize stage directions; and center act and scene headings in all
capitals.
7. Reread and revise. After completing your first draft, read through the
entire play from beginning to end. Jot down any notes for yourself in the
margins, then reread the script with these insights in mind. Check for
inconsistencies (such as continuity or timeline issues), plot holes, or
weak character dialogue. Ensure that the characters’ actions and
behaviors align with their motivation, and tweak as necessary.
8. Proofread and edit again. Using the notes from your draft, take a
second pass at your script. Fine-tune the dialogue and the action. Ask
family and friends to read the script and provide honest feedback.
9. Do a table read. Ask some willing participants to volunteer for a table
read, which is an organized script reading in which actors and producers
read out the dialogue, stage directions, and scene headings of your play.
The table read will highlight elements of your play that you might need to
tweak. Pay attention to each line of dialogue and how the action flows.
Apply the learnings from the table read to the final draft of your script.
