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Elements of a Play Script

 Elements of a Play Script








What is a play script?

It is a play's manuscript, especially as it has been prepared for actors to use during rehearsals.

It ​contains:
  1. Stage directions for the actors/actresses.
  2. The name of the play and the playwright.
  3. Acts and scenes. Each scene describes the setting at the start.
  4. Characters. 
  5. Dialogues.

Genres

  1. comedy.
  2. romance.
  3. thriller.
  4. tragedy.
  5. musical.
  6. political.
  7. physical.

Main elements of a play script

1. Title

The play goes by that name.

2. Playwright

It is the play's author.

3. List of characters

Participants in the narrative. It appears at the very start of the play's script.

4.  Cast

A play's actors and actresses.

5. Act, scene, and setting

The acts are long sections of a play that are usually divided into multiple scenes to break up the play into its main parts. The scenes are more limited segments of a play, typically, every scene happens in one area at a particular time. An act is made up of multiple scenes. The structure of most scripts is either three acts or five acts. The title of each act and scene is centered.

6. Stage directions

They direct actors and actresses on stage as to what to do, where to go, how to move, and how to pronounce their lines. Italicized and one-tab indented stage directions are used. Stage directions capitalization character names.

7. Name of the character

The names of the characters are centered and capitalized.

8.  Dialogues

​They are the lines the characters speak in the play. 

How do you start writing a play script?
  1. Outline your story.
  2. Write your story in three acts.
  3. Add sequences.
  4. Start writing scenes.
  5. Write dialogues and actions.
  6. Note technical elements such as costume changes, props, lighting, and settings.
  7. Revise your work as many times as necessary.
  8. Get feedback.

The article is written by: Kelvin Munene

Follow him on Facebook: Kelvin Munene Official

Instagram: @kelvinmunene_1

Email: kelvincreative3@gmail.com


For more information: Follow Writers Guild Chuka University on:

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