Writing scripts for plays...

Post Reply New Topic

The course I am at has to put on a 10 minute play/skit for the graduation. Since I said that I wont be there on the day, my tutor gave me the job or writing the script.

I have no idea how to write scripts, I can't even write 3 minute speeches, now I have to write a 10 minute play
There is 15 characters and the play is going to be based on a classroom setting for non english speaking students. (even though our course IS english speaking). It has to contain humour.

Any ideas on how to start writing this script?

Script is basically dialogue (speaking/singing) and stage direction/scene action. Stage direction/scene action is not the same as prose. It is much more like instructions. There are different formats for screenplays/skits and straight theatre. But as long as you are consistent it doesn't really matter. The content is the most important thing. If you are going to do a skit/short play the most natural thing to do is try to improvise, then write that down or record it, then put in the correct format. It is important to capture natural speech. When you read it is not the same as speaking. A bad play/skit sounds like they are reading out loud

Here is a really good resource of different types of script formats.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/script ... mats.shtml

Pick that one that is most appropriate for the type of thing it is i.e. (sketch show,sitcom,stage drama). These guys have a lot of experience and there are reasons why a particular format works best.

15 characters is a lot of people for 10 minutes. You need to focus around 1-3 main characters. A lot of it will be lost if you try get everyone a speaking role. Then again you can break the rules, do something really original.

Thanks for the advice...I will check out that website