I know this probably isn’t the best place to ask but, I’m a little desperate.
I recently got involved in this play writers thing at a local theater company. We have been asked to write a short play. I have never written for theater before, I thought it would be like writing for film, but I was completely wrong. I have no clue what I’m doing. So if any one here has experience with theater, and has some advice they are willing to give, that would be great.
Thanks
Kat

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kat333,

Before I say anything else I should explain what the “local play writing thing” actually is. The theater that runs the program describes it as a writing intensive. We had three weeks to write a 30 minute play, to be performed at a three day festival. Despite the fact that you were all completely useless, and offered me no advice, I wrote my play, and things went really well. It was performed at the festival along with plays from other students, and was extremely well received. I even had one of the sponsors tell me that it was the best play they had seen come out of the festival in the five years that its been running. As a result I will be able to write 10 minute companion plays for two of the companies up coming productions.
Now I know that this has nothing to do with film but, I think I script is a script no matter what medium you use to perform it, and I am really excited about it.
Ok, I’ll shut up now
Kat

good to hear you managed to do this without any help (tho im sure it woulda helped) its like that these days, people expect to be told what to do and wanna just be slaves. Its rare you'll find peopel wholl be up all night with you writing and talking about the idea. Good to know you get to do more plays tho, any chance you'll be documenting any of them to share with us here?

Thanks.
I really wanted to film the performances. It would be great to have them in my portfolio and share them with you guys. But some of my actors are equity, and their contracts don’t allow it.

quote:

Originally posted by Kat333:
Despite the fact that you were all completely useless,

Haha I don't think anyone else has any experience with screenwriting for theatre...I'm sure some of us could have fabricated some advice for you, but you seem to have figured it out quite nicely by yourself.
Thats very exciting by the way. Do you end up sticking with the idea about the janitor?

quote:

But some of my actors are equity, and their contracts don’t allow it.

ah ****ty. this is why i cant work inside any sort of structure; paperwork. I cant ever get married cause i dont believe in paperwork. So I guess thats also a farewell to those quality union actors Im off to pick em off the streets.

yeah the contract thing sucked

I did finish the Janitor script, but it wouldn have worked on stage. I started a different one last minute, its about strangers on a bus.