Page to Stage Part 1: Writing/Formatting a Play

When it comes to writing, different styles and formats can greatly affect the shape the story takes. These can be beneficial but tricky to learn and get the hang of. Play writing in particular is a very different animal than your typical novel/story. In this series, I delve into the basics of how a stage play script works.
Stage Play Format Template Found here:
pwcenter.org/playwriting-tool...
My Play, The Family Fruitcake (shameless plug!) Found here:
www.histage.com/family-fruitcake

[@kazkeller3739]

Notes: Outline, heros journey, problem solution obstacles. Open secne opens it up Midpoint is not climax, often some kind of cliffhanger One scene leads to another like chapters First act more questions vs answers Second act provides answers Fuels interest by pacing and balancing story beats. Add questions or problems to keep audience involved. Fulfill audience expectations don't get them bored!! Timing is important, play must be within time. No rambling. Dialouge is everything, should containe foreshadowing, flow naturally, is interesting, and move plot/character Use dialogue descriptions carefully, avoid unless it can be ambiguous Minor things may not be needed Entrances and exits should be specified, make sure to use them Don't use description, for characters or setting as much Specify age, gender, character Play formatting is very different and stretches out page The format has a title page with name and your name Character list, description, and what they do (lines and relation to characters) also explain motive and emotion of character (important for actor) Setting is on next page, list needed setting basic (ex. a house) More scene changes is not good, minimal and simple Might list time First page explains what's on the stage (what needs to be there) Keep setting manageable for the stage Characters first entrance is important First line o.s off stage Pause after line in () Action indicated only if needed in dialouge Say end of curtains at end At end might list prop list Play is a collaboration, understand once it's done its done hands off

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

WOW! This is some kind of dedication, I am very impressed. Thank you for taking the time to do this!

[@peterbahi0227]

Really wish you would continue making KZbin videos. You're really good at it. I learned a ton about writing a Play from you. Thank you 🙏

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Oh golly gee whillikers. Thank you so much! I'm making plans to get things going again, and this is very encouraging!

[@joseph-michaelgonzales9435]

Please make more videos. You're clever and insightful. I would like to know about Acts and Scenes.

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Ohhhhhh shucks my goodness, thank you!! I am so behind here but I have big plans for the future of this channel (more a focus on storytelling, hope you all will be here for that). What specifically about Acts and Scenes can I help you with?

[@zeebrook]

Thank you. I looked for ages on formatting a script for the stage. Most of them are for screenplays. This helped and helpful advice. Being my first play, there were some very good tips on the first steps.

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

You know, I did the same thing! It seemed ridiculous how difficult it was to find any information. I'm so glad this video was helpful to you!

[@laranaryce7573]

thank you so much for this video, i really appreciate it! growing up i wrote plays in a local youth theatre group, and i really want to take that to the next level now i’m adult. i’m so thankful i stumbled across this

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

I apologize for reading this so late. That is fantastic that you got such an early start! Even if you've had a bit of a break, it's a good foundation for whenever you take it to the next level. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@KittStone]

Thanks! I was planning on writing a play for a DnD campaign, something to entertain the players and foreshadow campaign points. This helps tons

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Sorry to get to you so late! :) I don't play DnD myself but my husband does and it is SO good for story writing generally. Some of the things he comes up with just on his own for campaigns are amazing to me.

[@crazydudeguy88]

Great video. I'm excited to see Part 2. I knew most of what you talked about, having worked as Stage Manager (basically a stage hand with extra duties at our theater) for several years. I read lots of plays and watched them being brought to the stage from the written words on the page. I even started writing my own play, but I've moved on to other writing pastures. However, this video has me thinking back and I just might go back and take another stab at it. :)

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Awesome! Go for it!

[@andrewcampbell1129]

Greetings, yes I am interested in writing a play, it's a daunting task

[@sixdegreesofcrispybacon]

Great little vid. I'll be sure to check out the later installments. (And congrats on The Family Fruitcake!).

[@RLMore-cf8fu]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VERY HELPFUL INSIGHTS OF PLAYWRITING

[@kanembwamukoma5290]

Very useful video. I have written a number of plays that have always seemed raw in their formatting. Very excited now to clean all my work up and go on with more scripts!

[@flannelsone1159]

Im not even writing a play I'm just here to learn something

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Oh gosh, I hope you did! Thank you!!

[@mariahgrate7955]

So good! Helpful!!

[@LethoHali]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@abagel3902]

Great video!!! You earned a subscriber. 💛

[@reesethestone412]

Very insightful

[@sandeeplele1148]

Thanks, for the video. Waiting for more to come.

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Me too! But I'm working on it, I really actually am. Thank you!

[@stantvng]

This is great

[@ifiruledtheword]

This was helpful! Thank you :)

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Late replier that I am, I still want to thank you right back! I appreciate your watching, and I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@olumuyiwalafe7768]

Thank you so much for your voice of reassurance, breaking it down in simple terms.

[@YOUNGANDTHERESTOFUS]

Thanks

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

You're welcome!

[@henryruiz2122]

Do new scenes start on a fresh page from the preceding scene, or does it just continue on the same page?

[@adammalone2909]

I am always willing and take advice from a fellow Wheel Of Time fan!

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Sorry I'm late getting to this; but the Wheel of Time fan is actually my husband. :) Thank you for commenting though!

[@slideryt]

did you really just say 'interwebs'? love it!

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

I'm late here, but thank you! I'm weird. :)

[@gamerelated510]

It's my understanding that character names appear centered, but are not. They're actually 5 tabs from the margin

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

It does seem to vary; I've seen some say 3.5 inches from the margin, some 4 inches... it might depend on the particular publisher's standards. That's a good point!

[@familiaabc1]

Howdo you know when to start a new scene and a new act?

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Sorry I'm getting to you so late!! It's hard to say for sure. I go by feel personally, but that's through years of reading (writing too but I'm actually kind of late to the game on that one). A more definitive answer is that, like the overall script, each act has its own arc, and so does each scene. Identify what the scene or act needs to accomplish and then once you've wrapped that up, I'd say that's a good stopping point.

[@JMRogan]

If I have a script in which the action occurs in two rooms, only one room at a time. Only one character moves between the two rooms. Can my set show both rooms side by side, using light to "close" one room and light to "open" the second room. If not, can you suggest something else?

[@ChipmunkOfPower]

Sorry I haven't checked in here, but I don't update this channel anymore. I hope it's not too late to answer your question! I think your idea on the lighting is probably the best way to go. The only other possibility that springs to mind (short of a revolving set) is some kind of curtain or other blockade being moved in front of whichever side isn't being used, which seems too awkward. I would definitely go with the light option.

[@akshayparmar9102]

Mam I want to a writer a play about My Life , Is it work...? Mam It's yes than please give me same tip's about it please mam

[@FelixDeJesusRdz]

She is The best and she likes Twizzlers

[@princessdiya145]

If i were to make a play based on Luca 2021 I’d choose an actor born in 2008 to play Luca an actor born in 2010 to play Guilia an actor born in 2005 to play Alberto an actor born in 2001 to play Daniela and an actor born in 2006 to play Lorenzo

[@MegaJw99]

rubbish!

[@markmulholland-writer4415]

Unnecessary comment. And intentionally cruel. If it isn't for you, pass on. If you can't be kind, at least don't be hurtful; it's too easy, and takes us nowhere. The speaker, video, uploader, KZbin, the world owes you nothing. Yet still some share and put themselves out there. That's brave. So take it or leave it. We are all on our own journey, and none of us know anything.

[@MegaJw99]

@@markmulholland-writer4415 zen rubbish!

[@markmulholland-writer4415]

@@MegaJw99 . . .