How to Write a One-Act Play

1. Decide on the topic or event that will be depicted in the play.

2. Outline the basic plot.

 What problem(s) are your characters facing?
 What has happened before the scene that you need to be aware of?
 How will each character react to the problem?

3. Develop the setting of the scene.

 Where are your characters talking?
 When does this scene take place?
 What does the set look like (props, furniture, etc.)?

4. Decide on characters. A one-act play should have at least two characters but not more than
three.

5. Develop the dialogue of the play (aka the script).

 Format the script using the following model:
o Include a title for your one act play (center at the top of your script)
o Include a character list with a brief description of each character
o Include a basic prop list
o Include a brief description of the setting
o Include a brief summary of the scene
o Include the scene:
▪ CAPITALIZE each character’s name followed by a colon.
▪ Type the character’s line next to his or her name. All lines should be lined
up (tab over 1 or 2x after the name).
▪ Type all stage directions (movements, gestures, actions, tone of voice,
etc.) in (parentheses) and italics.

6. Once the script is finished, read through it and make revisions. Be sure that the characters’
personalities are consistent throughout the scene. It is extremely important that the scene makes
sense and flows.

7. After completing the revisions of the script, read through it aloud a few times to determine if
there are any awkwardly-worded parts that could prove challenging for the actors. Rework these
parts and repeat this step until you are satisfied with the script.