Playwriting from Formula to Form


Book Description

Structure is how a play logically fits together and can be archived through formula or form. To understand the complexities of structuring with form, the beginning playwright must first learn the fundamentals of formula. Covering everything in the playwriting process from the initial concept through production, PLAYWRITING: FROM FORMULA TO FORM presents a workable method for anyone interested in the craft. Exercises and techniques are presented to help students master the fundamental principles of good playwriting, giving them the freedom to be creative. Chapters on film and television writing as well as how to market a finished script and to select an agent, provide "real world" information on surviving as a writer in today's market.




Naked Playwriting


Book Description

""Naked Playwriting" is a complete, comprehensive playwriting course-from developing a theme through plotting and structuring a play, developing characters, creating dialog, formatting a script, and plying methods that aid the actual writing and rewriting processes. It also offers guidance on marketing and submitting play scripts for both contests and production, getting an agent, protecting one's copyright, and working with directors, actors, and theater companies. This new edition, in addition to fully updating the material in the popular first edition, adds detailed information on such recent develops as "Zoom plays" and "devised theater"; writing non-formulaic plays that create their own structures; a new emphasis on writing 10-minute and one-act plays; completely revised play submission guidelines that reflect a process that has wholly changed since the first edition was published; an section on the now-popular trend of moving from playwriting to TV scripting; material on the growing trend toward playwrights directing their own plays; and much more. Well-written and filled with illustrative examples, it provides both innovative and tried-and-true writing techniques, sage advice from veteran writers, a short study of the major schools of dramatic thought, and pertinent writing anecdotes. This one-of-a-kind playwriting book will help both novices and working writers discover and improve their playwriting skills and get their plays produced"--




Screenplay


Book Description

This is a complete screenwriting course -- from developing a theme, researching a story, plotting and structuring a script, developing characters, and plying methods that aid the actual writing and rewriting processes to understanding the ins and outs of marketing and pitching scripts. Well-written, comprehensive, and filled with illustrative screenplay examples, both innovative and tried-and-true writing techniques, sage advice from veteran writers, and pertinent writing anecdotes, this one-of-a-kind screenwriting book will help both novices and working screenwriters to improve and sell their scripts.




The Art of Theatre: Then and Now


Book Description

Bringing the fascinating world of theatre to life, THE ART OF THEATRE: THEN AND NOW, 4th Edition, delivers comprehensive yet lively coverage of the history, cultural diversity, creativity, controversy, and even a typical day in the life of theatre -- packaged in seventeen stand-alone chapters that can be studied in any order. The text is packed with useful information that readers can apply to their own lives, including material on copyrights, the National Endowment for the Arts, censorship, and freedom of speech. The authors also make timely and relevant connections between theatre and the digital world of TV and film to help today's learners understand how the living stage is unique. In addition, the text explores the issues and controversies that have surrounded the theatre for thousands of years -- giving readers more to think about. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.




Writing Your First Play


Book Description

Writing Your First Play provides the beginning playwright with the tools and motivation to tell a story through dramatic form. Based in a series of exercises which gradually grow more complex, the books helps the reader to understand the basic elements of drama, conflict, and action. The exercises help the reader to become increasingly sophisticated in the use of dramatic formats, turning simple ideas into a viable play. Topics include: the role of action in drama; developing action and conflict to reveal character; writing powerful and persuasive dialog; writing from personal experience:pros and cons; how to begin the story and develop the storyline. This new edition is thoroughly updated and contains new examples based on contemporary plays. The author has added additional writing exercises and a new student-written one act play. It also contains a new chapter on how to sell your play once it is written. With examples based on student work, this text both inspires and educates the student and fledgling playwright, providing solid tools and techniques for the craft of writing a drama. Roger A. Hall, a professor of theatre at James Madison University, had taught playwriting for nearly 20 years. Many of his students have gone on to write for theatre, television, and the screen. He has written numerous plays and articles and has acted and directed extensively in the theatre.




The Science of Playwriting


Book Description




Kosher Lutherans


Book Description

Hanna and Franklyn are a seemingly perfect couple who desperately want to have a child of their own, but are unable to do so. As the couple begins to wonder if they'll ever become parents, they have a chance encounter with a God-fearing pregnant girl from Iowa who offers to let the couple adopt her out-of-wedlock baby. Just before the adoption papers are signed, Hanna and Franklyn discover the girl is unaware that they are Jewish. Knowing the revelation could throw a ratchet into the whole works, the couple poses as Lutherans to appeal to the girl's apparent Midwestern sensibilities. But how far are they willing to go to have a family?--From publisher description.




The Playwright's Manifesto


Book Description

A manifesto for the future of playwriting, this book challenges you to be a part of that future in the belief that it is fundamentally important to write plays. Plays help us understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. Reading this book, you will be challenged to learn your craft, explode what you know, prioritise what is important to you, and write in the way that only you can write. Most books on playwriting explain how to create a believable character in a story driven by plot. This book, however, goes even further in its exploration of the playwright's most valuable tool: theatricality. By learning from the past, and the present, the playwrights of tomorrow can create new, vivid, theatrical drama for the future. This manifesto also examines the process of writing, the art of collaboration, and the impact of writing on a playwright's mental health. It identifies the highs and lows, as well as the trials and tribulations, of life as a playwright in today's world. Theatre is a living artform. It is time for playwrights to acknowledge that fact and to celebrate the unique, primal thrill that a live theatre experience offers us. The future of playwriting is in your hands. Do you accept the challenge?




Playwriting For Dummies


Book Description

The easy way to craft, polish, and get your play on stage Getting a play written and produced is a daunting process. From crystallizing story ideas, formatting the script, understanding the roles of the director stagecraft people, to marketing and financing your project, and incorporating professional insights on writing, there are plenty of ins and outs that every aspiring playwright needs to know. But where can you turn for guidance? Playwriting For Dummies helps any writer at any stage of the process hone their craft and create the most dramatic and effective pieces. Guides you through every process of playwriting?from soliloquies, church skits, and one act plays to big Broadway musicals Advice on moving your script to the public stage Guidance on navigating loopholes If you're an aspiring playwright looking to begin the process, or have already penned a masterpiece and need trusted advice to bring it into the spotlight, Playwriting For Dummies has you covered.




Screenplay


Book Description

Providing examples from well-known movies, Field explains the structural and stylistic elements as well as writing techniques basic to the creation of a successful film script.