The Art of Writing for the Theatre: An Introduction to Script Analysis, Criticism, and Playwriting

Description

Writing for the theatre and about theatre requires a diverse set of skills, but whether you're studying theatre or developing your creative craft, this book covers everything you need to know. Filled with practical advice from an award-winning playwright, with a range of resources to guide you in the craft and business of theatre writing, The Art of Writing for the Theatre provides everything you need to write like a seasoned theatre professional, including: * how to analyze and break down a script, * how to write various types of plays, from short plays, plays for one person, to one act and full length dramas, * how to critique a play and a theatre production, * how to construct and craft essays, cover letters, theatrical resumes, applications, and * how to avoid common grammar and punctuation errors. This thorough introduction is supplemented with exercises and new interviews with a host of internationally acclaimed playwrights, lyricists, and critics, including Lyn Gardner, Kia Corthron, Ismail Khalidi, Marsha Norman, and David Zippel, among many others. Accompanying online resources include playwriting and script analysis worksheets and exercises, an example of a playwriting resume, and critical points to consider on playwriting, design, acting, directing and choreography. Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Note on the Text Introduction Chapter 1: Script Analysis Why Do We Need Script Analysis? Definitions and Terms for Script Analysis Freytag’s Pyramid and the Dramatic Arc A Crash Course in Aristotle’s Poetics Script Analysis Exercises Exercises Chapter 2: Playwriting The Elements of Playwriting What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Mean? The Significance of Exposition The Good Title Test The Mechanics of Writing a Play How Do You Start? How to Write a Ten-Minute Play Other Play Formats Conclusion Exercises Chapter 3: Criticism The “Why” of Theatre Criticism “I Liked It” Doesn’t Matter Writing a Critique for a Play “Why Am I Bored?” A Sample Critique Criticism as Entertainment Remember: Artists Have Feelings, Too When to Keep It to Yourself What to Look for When Writing a Critique Critiquing Other Forms Exercises Chapter 4: The Interviews: Conversations with Acclaimed Playwrights, Critics, Librettists, and Lyricists A Series of Master Classes On Starting Out “What Should I Write About?” On Structure A Writer’s Process Readings and Play Development On Taking Advice on Your Script On Collaboration On Writing Musicals On the Writer as “The Outsider Looking In” On Critics and Theatre Criticism Advice for New Writers What Do You Love About the Theatre? Discussion Questions Chapter 5: The Brass Tacks: Practical Tools of Writing for the Theatre The “How To” of a Writer’s Life Read, See, and Hear Theatre Blogs Submission Opportunities for Playwrights Cover Letters for Writers . . . and Beyond Living Room Readings: The Value of Free Pizza Virtual Presentations A Map of Relationships Opening Night Cards and Gratitude Letters: A Lost Art Exercises Conclusion Further Reading Notes Biographies of Interviewees Special Thanks About the Author Index