Let's Start at the Very Beginning: Playwrighting Basics

As someone who has never written a play, nor taken a class on it, writing my first play is rather daunting and unnerving. In talking to my peers, I've found that these two "shortcomings" are not as apocalyptic as I make them, and that as an actor, I have more knowledge about play structure and dialogue than I realize. In theater, you are constantly learning about the craft and all of the different aspects, often learning a side skill that pays the bills when projects fall through. Due to its collaborative nature, exposure to theater may inspire you to be as bold as other types of artists; in my case, my desire to pursue directing has now led to my attempt at playwrighting!

There are certain elements that can help bring the play to life, after which fixing the structure and flow of the play can take precedent. Organizing these thoughts and characters will then give the blueprint needed to begin creating a world in which you are God. Power unlike anything you have ever felt will accompany you on this journey; deciding fates and creating people can be quite a rush...

The following is a list I have compiled of preliminary elements to assist in the development of a new play:

1. Something needs to happen-an event, something someone does, or a discovery. 

2. Know the world you create-real or magical, we need to be clear of what this world is like. Consistency and specificity are key. 

3. Obstacles and conflicts-these help give your characters stakes, as well as give your play form and weight. 

4. Characters need to WANT-all characters must desire an outcome, and we need to care about each of them differently, depending on their point of view and their stakes. Think of the consequences if they don't get what they want, and you'll discover more stakes. 

5. Pressure of time-stakes are helped by pressure of an upcoming event or something at stake that will have consequences if not taken care of in a timely manner. 

6. Dialogue for character development and plot advancement-good dialogue usually moves the plot forward or reveals something about a character. Dialogue needs a reason to exist. 

7. Voices and moments-theater is about the people on stage going through an experience, and we need them to have individual voices and moments that clearly indicate who they are and what they want. 

8. Stage action-dialogue is a big part of playwrighting, but if you can make something happen, instead of having a character tell us about it, you will be ahead of the curve. Do no write something that can be shown. Actions that expose character traits or that require no dialogue can often be more powerful than the best monologue. 

There are many different ways to start writing a play, but I hope this one can help you. It has helped me get my play off the ground, and I cannot wait to share it with you all!