UNIT 8

WRITING PLAY SCRIPT

TIME ALLOCATION: 2 X 1,5”

MEDIUM: ZOOM AND HANDOUTS

BACKGROUND:
Writing a script is part of play performance mastery. Writing a script is part of managing play
performance. This unit will guide students how to write an original or adaptation script.

STEPS IN WRITING A PLAY SCRIPT

1. Know the Structure of a Play
A play usually contains lots of dialogues that become the point of strength and significance of play.
This feature differentiate play to other literary genres such as poetry, short story and novel.
2. Have a broad reference of Good Plays
You should have a broad knowledge of popular play. You know classical, Victorian and modern play
script. You understand why some plays and scripts are everlasting. You know the strength and
outstanding factor of some plays.
3. Know the trend
We write for others. That is for sure. Knowing the trend is important as performance should follow
the current trend if we offer freshness and aim at attracting spectators. Writing play is not only for
stage performance but also for other media such radio, television and film. If we write scripts for
self-enjoyment, we do not need to worry about current industry trend.
4. Consult with reference
You should have good reference. Nowadays, it is quite easy to find varieties of resources
elsewhere. Consult with large scales of library and people in the industry is important to build up
complete reference.
5. Start writing, revising and finalizing script
Put all knowledge and passion into a start. Build up good a piece of work. We can start with a
simple play as a try to build confidence.
 WRITING A PLAY SCRIPT

Nashville Film Institute

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

When writing a play script, your script should include the settings, dialogue, and actions that take place
throughout your play. This type of script outlines who says or does what when and how as well as
describes the setting of the stage, like backdrops, lighting, and props. It is specifically for live visual
stories on the stage, including dramas, comedies, and musicals.

HOW TO WRITE A PLAY SCRIPT

Before you get started, it’s important to understand the proper formatting of a play and what story
elements you need to include. Follow these steps to write a play script:

GET INSPIRATION
The first step is to read and watch as many plays as possible. During your research, take note of what
other playwrights do well. If you notice dialogue you especially enjoy or useful stage directions, consider
emulating them in your own play script. Reading a play first and then seeing a live performance of that
play is a great way to see what a script can turn into.

CHOOSE A THEME
Picking a theme for your play can help you write a play that audiences can connect to and understand.
Consider the following when deciding on what kind of story you’re telling:

Genre: This is the style, tone, and subject matter of your play, whether that be serious and somber

or funny and insightful (see examples of movie genres here)

Character growth: This is how your characters develop over the course of your play.

Key takeaways: These are morals or lessons that the audience learns by the end of the play.

CREATE A PLOT
The plot of your play is the events that take place and lead the entire story. You need to decide if you
want your play plot-driven, meaning the story pushes characters from scene to scene, or character-
focused, where characters’ actions direct the story. You may choose a combination of the two. Either
way, many playwrights create a plot that leads to character growth.

When creating your plot, consider these key components:

Characters: Decide who the main character of your play is. Make an effort to develop them into a

believable person. You may also want to add supporting characters that support or challenge
them. If you want a traditional hero story, you need to create a protagonist and an antagonist.
Consider the relationships between all of your characters, especially ones that have a conflict with
 each other. Having a conflict creates more tension in your play and keeps the audience interested
in the fate of your main character.

Settings: Where is your play taking place? How does this add to the story? Determine how the
setting impacts each scene or character and contextualizes themes. Limiting the number of
different settings keeps your play grounded and improves its producibility. Consider how your
crew could quickly transform one setting into another. Creating new settings is more complex for
the stage than it is for film and television.

Time: When is your play taking place? You need to figure out a way to convey this to the
audience, whether that be through narration, costume, or dialogue.

Story: The story of your play focuses on the characters’ reactions and emotions surrounding
events of the plot.

Narrative arc: Many plays follow a structure of exposition, rising action, and resolution.

Exposition: Early on in your play, you need to establish the who, what, where, when, and why of
your plot. If you have a central conflict in your play, this may be the time to present it.

Rising action: Toward the middle of your play, more obstacles or challenges unfold. The conflict
may deepen until you reach the climax of the play. This is the tensest moment, typically when
characters fully address conflicts.

Resolution: After the climax happens, the tension of your play lessens. During the resolution,
your characters may overcome their conflicts or learn to live with them. Even if your ending is
tragic, you may want to include a key takeaway or lesson.

PICK A STRUCTURE
Plays are made up of acts. Within each act are multiple scenes. When writing your play, you need to
decide which kind of structure you want. As a new playwright, you may want to begin with a simple
structure, such as a one-act play. These are the most common play structures:

One-act play: The play runs all the way through without an intermission. You still need a narrative

arc, but you may have fewer settings and scenes.

Two-act play: Most contemporary plays use the two-act structure. A two-act play consists of two
parts with an intermission in between. They allow for more complex sets since your crew can set
up a new scene during the intermission. Audiences appreciate an intermission so they can
stretch, use the restroom, and discuss the first act with one another.

Three-act play: This is the most complex play structure to write. If you decide on a three-act play,

you may need an intermission between each act. These types of plays tend to be longer due to
the extra intermissions and length of the acts. In many three-act plays, act one is typically the
exposition, act two is the rising action, and act three is the resolution.
MAKE AN OUTLINE
Before writing the entire play from scratch, create a general outline of your play. Include the following in
your outline:

1. Acts
2. Scenes

3. When characters appear

4. Narrative arc
5. General stage actions

WRITE USING THE OUTLINE

Once you have a solid outline, you can start writing your play script. Filling in the outline with your
actual script is a smart way to stay organized. You want to start giving your script depth and move it
along with the following components:

Dialogue: This is one of the main components that guide your play. Consider what dialogue each
character has and how this develops who they are.

Actions: Within the script, you need to note what each character is doing. Make it clear so the actors

have a better understanding of what they need to do.

Technical elements: This includes things like costume changes, props, lighting, and settings.

EDIT AND REWRITE

After writing your first draft, it’s time to read through the entire play script and start making
adjustments. For instance, if your dialogue feels a bit flat, you need to rewrite it in a way that sounds
more natural. Consider how people talk in real life, and try to make your characters feel human and
emotional. Things such as interruptions and tangents can make it sound more realistic.

Have someone else read through your play to see if it makes sense to them. Ask them to note anything
that is a bit confusing or needs more development. Since the story is in your head, you may not realize
that it’s not as straightforward on paper.
PLAY SCRIPT EXAMPLE
Follow these formatting rules when writing a play script:

 Center act and scene headings.

 Center and capitalize your characters’ names before each line of dialogue.
 Capitalize your characters’ names in action lines.
 Indent and italicize stage directions.

Here is a brief example of a play script:

Act One

Scene One

Midwestern high school. Teacher’s office. Right after school lets out.

SAM, an eccentric history teacher, sits at her desk. She sorts through a stack of papers and struggles to
find what she is looking for.

SAM

Talking to herself.

Why is my life such a mess?

GEORGE, a put-together looking man, enters.

GEORGE

Because you’re Sam.

GEORGE chuckles as SAM rolls her eyes.

WRITING MONOLOGUE AND DIALOGUE

A monologue is a one to two page dramatic speech in which a character reveals their feelings, inner
thoughts, or motivations to addressed to another character or to the audience.

5 Tips for Writing Dramatic Monologues

Before you start writing a dramatic monologue for the first time, it can be helpful to seek out examples
of monologues that you personally find moving. Then, follow these tips to write your own great
monologue:

1. Start with a compelling opening line. Monologues lack action and dialogue, which can leave the
audience unengaged. You can use your writing skills to craft an effective monologue, but your
audience won’t hear it if they’re not paying attention. How do you get them to pay attention?
With a good opening line. In literary terms, this is known as a hook. Consider starting your
monologue with a surprising statement or emotion-packed first line. Your first line should get
your audience interested in the rest of the monologue by leaving them with questions.

2. Present a strong point of view. One of the advantages (and challenges) of monologue writing is
that monologues present the point of view of a single character. This character should have
something important to say—if not, why are they launching into a monologue? What does this
character really want? Often, dramatic monologues feature a main character facing a dramatic
situation, or they might highlight a secondary character who has a unique perspective on events.
Get to know your character’s voice, since it’s all you have to work with. Great monologues show
a character experiencing a range of emotions while expressing one central idea.

3. Develop a storyline. Even though monologues are typically short (compared to an entire play),
good monologues can show build-up to a decisive action, reference past events, and even
progress character development in the narrative. The challenge of a dramatic monologue is to
pack all that into one character’s speech. A dramatic monologue doesn’t necessarily have to be
part of a longer work, but it can help you to imagine (and even write down) what would happen
to your character before and after this scene if your monologue were part of a longer piece.

4. Know your parameters. English literature is full of all different types of monologues. You might
use a poetic form like Shakespeare or the everyday language of most contemporary
monologues. The type of monologue you’re writing will lead you to which literary devices you
should use, such as repetition, rhyme, or imagery. Even if you’re not writing a monologue poem,
you should always read your monologues aloud to yourself, paying close attention to rhythm
and pacing. This is a good writing technique in general, and it’s especially important for formats
meant to be read to an audience. Word count is also important: If you’re writing a one-minute
monologue, you should have around 150 words. Time yourself as you read your monologue
aloud to make sure it’s the right length.

5. Wrap up with parting words. At the end of the monologue, leave your audience with something
to think about. Most dramatic monologues are self-contained speeches, so it’s worth spending
 some time coming up with an ending that feels conclusive but also leaves your audience wanting
to know more about your character and story. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different
endings until you get the right fit.

REFERENCE

5 Tips for Writing Dramatic Monologues. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-writing-

dramatic-monologues#what-is-a-dramatic-monologue
Nashville Film Institute. Writing a Play Scrip: Everything You Need to Know. https://www.nfi.edu/
writing-a-play-script/
Robinson, Julie Lynn. Talkshow Script. https://sites.google.com/site/julielynnrobinson/home/writing-
portfolio/comm-3310-writing-projects/talk-show-script