Script Editing
If you want, you can email us a copy of your script at arnoldtheatre@gmail.com and we will post a read-only copy to this page. Then people will be able to read and comment on your script to make it better. There is no limit to what you can write but please if you are going to comment don't be rude, be honest, and point the playwright in the direction he/she should be going. We have created an example of what your own page would look like on the example play page.
Playwriting Tips
Here are some handy dandy playwriting tips for those who don't have much experience or feel they need a little help with their writing! (Thanks to Liz Wiegard for writing these!)
• *Keep the setting simple and don't use a lot of characters.* You can develop a lot of drama with just two characters in one room. (Not to mention, simple plays are easier to produce and thus more likely to get produced). That being said, if you've got a great idea that is more complex, go with it.
• *Drama is action.* Conflict and engaging characters make your play more interesting than just having an actor stand up on stage and talk at the audience.
• *Every word in your play should be doing one of three things:* (1) revealing character, (2) moving the story forward, or (3) telling a joke. Anything that is not revealing character or progressing the story should be the set up for a joke. A joke is the only reason that something is not moving forward in the play.
• *Even very short plays can incorporate the three-act structure.* Every story has a beginning, middle, and an end. Here is a web page about three-act (although I think this was intended for novel and screenplay writing, but the same basic principles apply.) http://www.musik-therapie.at/PederHill/Structure&Plot.htm
• *The most important rule to playwriting is:* there are no rules. A good story is a good story. Following conventions is not a fool-proof way to get a good story, but it can really help with making your thoughts more cohesive and fluid, and can help make your story stronger over-all.
• *If you're absolutely stuck and void of all ideas:* visit the Brainstormer. It's an awesome website that give your three story elements completely at random (example: (1) Misfortune (2) dying (3) general). The way it works is you have three chances: the machine generates elements for you at random, and if you don't like what you get, you have two more chances to spin the wheel. The third time, however, you have to take what you get. (There's really no rule, but you could be clicking that wheel forever unless you force yourself to write about what your given. It's actually a fantastic way to write because it gives you a very basic framework to work within but allows you a lot of creativity in tying the pieces together. I find this is the best way to write successfully).
• *Have people critique your work.* And be sure that the people you have read it won't just tell you it's great because they're your friend. While it boosts your ego, it doesn't develop your writing at all. You need constructive criticism. You need someone who can look at it with a fresh set of eyes and tell you what works and what doesn't.
• *Keep the setting simple and don't use a lot of characters.* You can develop a lot of drama with just two characters in one room. (Not to mention, simple plays are easier to produce and thus more likely to get produced). That being said, if you've got a great idea that is more complex, go with it.
• *Drama is action.* Conflict and engaging characters make your play more interesting than just having an actor stand up on stage and talk at the audience.
• *Every word in your play should be doing one of three things:* (1) revealing character, (2) moving the story forward, or (3) telling a joke. Anything that is not revealing character or progressing the story should be the set up for a joke. A joke is the only reason that something is not moving forward in the play.
• *Even very short plays can incorporate the three-act structure.* Every story has a beginning, middle, and an end. Here is a web page about three-act (although I think this was intended for novel and screenplay writing, but the same basic principles apply.) http://www.musik-therapie.at/PederHill/Structure&Plot.htm
• *The most important rule to playwriting is:* there are no rules. A good story is a good story. Following conventions is not a fool-proof way to get a good story, but it can really help with making your thoughts more cohesive and fluid, and can help make your story stronger over-all.
• *If you're absolutely stuck and void of all ideas:* visit the Brainstormer. It's an awesome website that give your three story elements completely at random (example: (1) Misfortune (2) dying (3) general). The way it works is you have three chances: the machine generates elements for you at random, and if you don't like what you get, you have two more chances to spin the wheel. The third time, however, you have to take what you get. (There's really no rule, but you could be clicking that wheel forever unless you force yourself to write about what your given. It's actually a fantastic way to write because it gives you a very basic framework to work within but allows you a lot of creativity in tying the pieces together. I find this is the best way to write successfully).
• *Have people critique your work.* And be sure that the people you have read it won't just tell you it's great because they're your friend. While it boosts your ego, it doesn't develop your writing at all. You need constructive criticism. You need someone who can look at it with a fresh set of eyes and tell you what works and what doesn't.
