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SOSSAMAN:WRITING YOUR FIRST PLAY_p1, 1st edition

  • Stephen Sossaman

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Overview

A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS LEADING BEGINNERS FROM IDEA TO FINISHED SCRIPT, Writing Your First Play BY STEPHEN SOSSAMAN prevents false starts, common mistakes, frustrating dead ends, and writer's block.

The beginning writer will learn the secrets to effective structure, intriguing characters, and powerful dialog.

This writing-group tested guide breaks down a sometime overwhelming and intimidating task into a logical and manageable sequence. The emphasis on first-draft evaluation and effective revision will help the beginning playwright get it written and get it right.

Table of contents



Introduction.

THE BEGINNING PLAYWRIGHT.

Are There Rules for Playwriting?

What Is Special About Theater?

Theater Isn't Film. Theaters' Requirements.

Being a Playwright.

The Writer's Workbook. Personal Journal.

Where Play Ideas Come From.

Situation. Story.

THE PLAYWRIGHT'S TOOLBOX.

Characters.

Major Characters. Protagonist and Antagonist. Levels of Motivation. Treating Characters As Individuals. Minor Characters. The Audience and Your Characters.

Play Structure.

Elements of Plot. Subplots. Acts. Scenes. Beats.

Five Keys to Holding Your Audience.

Emotions and Secrets. Conflict. Obstacles and Complications. Tension and Suspense. Action.

What Your Audience Sees and Hears.

Sets, Props, Lighting, Music, and Costumes. Stage Movement.

Dialog.

Dialog's Nine Major Functions. Characters Have Unique Speaking Styles. Pauses and Silences. Dramatic Irony. Subtext. Showing Emotions By Speech Disruptions. Exposition.

Theme.

WRITING YOUR FIRST PLAY.

Select and Evaluate Your Idea.

Decide How to Write Your First Draft.

If you Decide to Plan Carefully. If you Decide to Write Freely. Select a Working Title.

Write Your First Draft.

Troubleshooting. Writer's Block.

Evaluate Your Draft.

Evaluation Checklist.

Revise Your Play.

Develop Your Play.

Prepare Your Script and Ancillary Materials. Production Options.

What's Next?

Appendix A: Script Format.

Appendix B: Sample Synopsis.

Appendix C: Record of Submissions.

Appendix D: Addresses and Web Sites.

Appendix E: An Example: Ibsen's A Doll's House.

Index.

For teachers

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Published by Pearson (August 1st 2000) - Copyright © 2001