Script
Writing
What is a script?
A play or drama script is the story that has been written for actors to
perform, with the term '
play' relating to a theatrical performance.
People who write them are called
Playwrights and sometimes the physical scripts might be called
manuscripts, while some historical scripts are called folios due to their
format.
They are written differently to stories and novels in that they focus more
specifically on dialogue and stage direction
so that actors know how to make the characters behave on stage.
Types of scripts
Comedy Drama Romance
Musical Thriller
Tragedy
Step 1
Character list
Like TV shows and movies, a play usually features a variety of characters
interacting with each other throughout the scenes. Because of this, most
scripts begin with a character list that introduces all the different characters.
Step 2
Dialogue
The words spoken by characters in drama scripts are known as
dialogue.
Whereas these are written inside speech-marks in books, in scripts
they are written after the character name and separated by a colon.
This makes it easier for actors to follow the lines they need to say
when performing the script.
Step 3
Stage Directions
Stage directions tell actors what to do or how to act while reading a particular
piece of dialogue. These can be instructions on how to walk, speak or stand,
or just suggestions on mood.
These are included in the dialogue using brackets
. They can relate to any character andnot just the one who is speaking.
Stage directions are not said aloud during a performance, although they
often areduring a rehearsal reading. They are always written in the
present tense
.
Step 3
Your task is to write the script for an additional scene in the play.
Your script should include characters and settings from the play you have
studied but feature a new event or conflict as the basis of your scene. Your
scene should also be connected to the key ideas explored in the play you
have studied and fit logically within its story.
You must adhere to the scriptwriting format and include:
-List of characters in the scene-Setting-Stage directions as needed for
describing what the audience will see or hear (e.g. set, props, lighting, sound
effects, costumes, etc.)-Stage directions as needed for describing how
characters move, interact and deliver dialogue-A new line each time a
different character speaks and the character’s name at the beginning of
their lines-The development of tension as your scene unfolds
.
