Playwriting

Playwriting is writing dramatic pieces for theatrical performance.

Elements of Drama:

Dialogue-what the actors say

Stage Directions-tells what people are doing when they move

Music/Sound-to bring the drama to life

Cast (Actors)-play the parts or roles

Stage Sets-creates the setting

Costumes-what the actors wear

Props-items that the actors need

Plot

Although the plot of a dramatic piece will have setting, characters, conflict and other features of fiction writing, the plot of a piece of drama is generally very short and to the point.

It’s not Fiction

One of the main differences between fiction and drama is that drama is largely spoken and acted out rather than described.

Visualizing

You must visualize the set, costumes, and necessary props as you create a drama.

Form

Traditional drama has acts and scenes in which sections of the story take place. This is an effective tool to use to break the story into scenes and provide a transition between changes in scene.

Chorus

Traditional drama contains a chorus whose function is to provide narrative commentary on events. It can be sung or spoken.

Prologue

At times, drama has a prologue to explain the situation. It is often one actor who steps out into the front of the stage to introduce the story.

Epilogue

At times, drama has an epilogue to either explain what happens after the action of the play or to make commentary on what we are to learn.