Playwriting For Dummies

The easy way to write a play and get it produced

Getting a play written and produced is a daunting process. From crystallizing story ideas, formatting the script, understanding the roles of your theatre collaborators, to marketing and financing your project, there are plenty of ins and outs that every aspiring playwright needs to know and you can find them all right here.

All the world′s a stage get acquainted with the magical world of theatre, get a handle on factors that make for a good play, and know the tools available to you as a playwright

Immerse yourself put your story into focus, create full and rich characters, make the most of dialogue, and create a blueprint for your play

Get your act together discover how to put your story intocomposed acts and scenes, understand the importance of the climax, and bring the play to a satisfying resolution

Curtain call get expert guidance on going public with your play, from getting it read and considered to having it produced and performed before an audience

Open the book and find:

How to create believable characters, plots, and dialogue

Expert tips on getting your play read and produced

Ways to convey a theme without losing an audience

Tips for attending auditions and rehearsals

Potential sources of story ideas

Special considerations for musicals

Advice about feedback and rewrites

The hallmarks of a great play

Learn to:

Write a powerful script with memorable characters

Craft, polish, and get your play on stage

Approach theatre as a collaborative art form

Introduction.

Part I: Catching the Playwriting Bug.

Chapter 1: Introducing the Art and Craft of Playwriting.

Chapter 2: Living the Life of a Playwright.

Chapter 3: What Makes a Play.

Chapter 4: Starting with an Idea.

Chapter 5: Finding Your Play′s Theme.

Part II: Creating a Blueprint for Your Play.

Chapter 6: Putting Your Story in Focus.

Chapter 7: Creating Full and Rich Characters.

Chapter 8: Dialogue: The Most Important Tool in Your Toolbox.

Chapter 9: Practical Considerations: Staging, Cast, and Audience.

Part III: The Nuts and Bolts of Putting Your Story Together.

Chapter 10: The Beginning: Finding a Starting Point for Your Play.

Chapter 11: The Middle: Developing Your Story Line.

Chapter 12: The Climax: Bringing the Confl ict to a Head.

Chapter 13: The Resolution: Wrapping It All Up.

Chapter 14: Giving the Musical Special Consideration.

Part IV: The Show Must Go On.

Chapter 15: Getting Your Play Read and Making Revisions.

Chapter 16: Rehearsals and Premieres: Nail Biting 101.

Chapter 17: Promoting Your Play and Getting a Production.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 18: Ten Things Every Playwright Should Know.

Chapter 19: Ten Hallmarks of a Great Play.

Chapter 20: Ten Playwrights You Should Know and Emulate.

Appendix: Formatting a Script.

Index.

Angelo Parra is an award–winning playwright who has received national acclaim for several of his plays. He teaches theatre and playwriting at SUNY Rockland. Angelo is the founder and director of the Hudson Valley Professional Playwrights Lab and president of the board of Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point, New York.