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How To Write A Play
By Alan Leach
While writing a play is unlikely ever to make you rich, learning how to write a play can be a source of personal satisfaction and enjoyment. While we can't turn you into Shakespeare overnight, these tips should help those who want to know how to write a play to at least get started.
The first thing to remember for those who want to know how to write a play is that they should have an interest in the theatre itself! While this may seem obvious, the only way to ever write a good play comes from having both knowledge and a passion for how the theatre works. If you have never been to a play in your life, it is unlikely you will be able to write a play that will work!
Another point to keep in mind when learning how to write a play is that simple is often best. Most plays only have a few characters, and aiming for about 5 or 6 is a good idea. What's more, the action usually takes place in only a few locations, typically two or three rooms of the same house. Some truly great plays have been written where the entire action takes place in just one room!
It also goes without saying that a play will largely succeed or fail on the strength of its story. The trick it to say something original while keeping to the usual human conditions and emotions, such as love, hate, betrayal, honour and friendship.
Equally important for those of you wanting to know how to write a play is characterization. A good way to start is to flesh out your characters even before you start writing. Note down as much detail as possible about each character, including needs and desires. As you write your play, ensure each line spoken by each character sounds realistic and natural. Another point to remember is that there are no perfect people, so don't try to write the perfect character, it will only seem unrealistic and unbelievable. All of us have our faults, so when you write your play ensure this truth is reflected in your characterization. Besides, characters with faults are far more interesting!
It helps when learning how to write a play if you the writer have something you want to say about life or humanity. In other words, wanting to write a play just for the sake of writing a play will probably not lead to success. Rather, if there is something in life you want to talk about and that you have a passion for, the chances are other people feel connect with your ideas too.
Good writing comes with practise, and writing a play is no exception. It is unlikely the first draft of your first play will win any awards. In fact, more than likely it will be savages severely by all who read it. For those of you who really want to know how to write a play, do not be put off by this criticism, it is actually an essential element to improving your writing. While you are free to ignore all criticisms, it is worth paying attention to what those in the know have to say.
It should be clear from the above for those of you who want to know how to write a play that to write a play is not an easy process. It takes a great deal of time and effort, and there will be moments where you question how you managed to get involved in such a project! Nevertheless, to write a great play requires this effort.
See Also:
How to write a play
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