Reading Stage Plays

Part I—Journal

Journal—Write down 10 Things that really interest you (ie: listening to your ipod). Then write down how each interest could be turned into a conflict or dilemma for a stage play (not a movie!). Make sure you do this for each interest no matter how challenging.

Part II-Reading Stage Plays

Read 3 Ten Minute Plays—You may choose from any of the websites below. Try to find plays that interest you as models for your own writing.

http://www.hitplays.com/default.aspx?pg=sl&stc=TMP&cl=Ten+Minute+Plays (the Previews show the entire script)

http://theatrehistory.com/plays/10minute.html

http://www.10-minute-plays.com/

http://www.geocities.com/pocolocoplayers/free.html

For each play you read write down the answers to these questions. You will have 3 sets of answers.
1. What is the setting?
2. What is the theme?
3. What is the mood?
4. Describe an important character.
5. What is the plot?
6. What is the major conflict?
7. How does it end or resolve?

Note: You will need to download Celtx onto your home computer soon—a free, good program to help you format your stageplay and screenplay.
http://www.celtx.com/