How can you write an original and innovative script that respects theatre conventions?

1 Choose your genre and style

The first step to writing a script that respects theatre conventions is to choose your genre and style. Genre refers to the type or category of the play, such as comedy, tragedy, drama, musical, or thriller. Style refers to the way the play is written and performed, such as realistic, naturalistic, expressionistic, or absurd. Different genres and styles have different conventions that affect the structure, tone, language, characters, themes, and settings of the play. For example, a comedy usually has a happy ending, a fast-paced plot, witty dialogue, and exaggerated characters, while a tragedy usually has a sad ending, a serious tone, poetic language, and complex protagonists. You should research the conventions of your chosen genre and style and use them as guidelines for your script.

2 Find your inspiration and premise

The next step to writing a script that respects theatre conventions is to find your inspiration and premise. Inspiration can come from many sources, such as personal experiences, current events, historical figures, myths, legends, or other works of art. Premise is the main idea or concept of the play, the what-if question that sparks your imagination and curiosity. For example, the premise of Romeo and Juliet is what if two young lovers from rival families fall in love and try to overcome their fate. You should find an inspiration and a premise that are original and innovative, but also relevant and meaningful to your genre, style, and audience.

3 Develop your plot and characters

The third step to writing a script that respects theatre conventions is to develop your plot and characters. Plot is the sequence of events that make up the story of the play, the what happens and how it happens. Characters are the people who take part in the story, the who and why of the play. You should create a plot and characters that are engaging, believable, and consistent with your genre and style. You should also consider the theatre conventions that affect the plot and characters, such as the unity of time, place, and action, the exposition, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, the resolution, the conflict, the motivation, the dialogue, the subtext, and the character arc.

4 Format your script and add stage directions

The fourth step to writing a script that respects theatre conventions is to format your script and add stage directions. Formatting your script means following the standard rules and guidelines for how to write and present your script on paper or on screen. For example, you should use a clear font, a consistent margin, a proper pagination, and a title page. You should also divide your script into acts and scenes, and indicate the scene headings, the character names, and the dialogue. Stage directions are the instructions or descriptions that tell the director, the actors, and the designers how to stage and perform the play. They can include information about the setting, the mood, the lighting, the sound, the props, the costumes, the movements, the gestures, and the emotions of the characters. You should use stage directions sparingly and effectively, and respect the theatre conventions that apply to them, such as the fourth wall, the aside, the soliloquy, and the breaking of character.

5 Revise and edit your script

The fifth step to writing a script that respects theatre conventions is to revise and edit your script. Revising your script means reviewing and improving your script based on feedback, criticism, or self-evaluation. You should revise your script several times, focusing on different aspects, such as the plot, the characters, the dialogue, the themes, and the stage directions. You should also check if your script is original and innovative, but also respectful and coherent with the theatre conventions of your genre and style. Editing your script means correcting and polishing your script based on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. You should edit your script carefully and thoroughly, making sure that your script is clear, concise, and consistent.

6 Share and perform your script

The sixth and final step to writing a script that respects theatre conventions is to share and perform your script. Sharing your script means submitting or publishing your script to potential producers, directors, actors, or audiences. You should follow the submission or publication guidelines and requirements of your target market or platform. You should also be prepared to receive and accept feedback, criticism, or rejection. Performing your script means staging or presenting your script as a live or recorded theatrical performance. You should collaborate and communicate with the director, the actors, and the designers who will bring your script to life. You should also respect and appreciate their creative input and interpretation of your script. You should also enjoy and celebrate the experience of seeing your script come to life on stage or on screen.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?