Q&A for How to Write a Play

One of the ways to create a superhero is to have someone do something they never thought of doing without thought to their own safety and well being. The urge to help and assist someone else, in itself is a superhero. Do they need to wear a cape and mask? Well that's up to you, as there are plenty of everyday superhero's that do not wear masks and capes.

You may want to find a good writing software program. There are ones that are free and ones that cost, make sure to do your research on the programs or you can choose, software programs are not necessary to write and can you choose to write without one. Take your idea or story and write it down, from beginning to the end, this will allow you to know how you want your story to flow. You will need to make sure you know the format for writing a play as you will need to understand the formats for TV's, Features and New Media as they may be a little different regarding acts and scenes.

Anything that doesn't move the plot forward or reveal part of the personality of a character should be scrapped.

To find a good plot to any story or play, think about what your characters are like. Finding weak points in characters can help uncover what may be easy or a challenge for them. For example, a poor man trying to get around the world will find it much harder than a rich man. Use these flaws to identify the best plots you can for that specific character.

No; that is against trademark laws. You would have to pay if your play ever got published.

Not necessarily. It ultimately depends on your script and if you feel that it needs more settings. In actually performing, if you're going to be changing scenes a lot, make sure that you have a lot of backstage help available for changing sets.

I would suggest reading through wikiHow's article on writing songs for some tips.

It can be any length -- one paragraph or 20 pages. Not all plays have to be long to be successful.

Stage directors basically direct the actions: how the characters have to move on the stage.

You could read up on some of his works, but don't completely copy any plot line. Just stick to comparable themes and situations.

The best way to get it put on - if that's your goal - is to contact amateur theatre groups or school play directors and send them your script. Or you could put it online, and just hope someone finds it. If you want to get paid something and are already a part of a theatre troupe, you can try to get your own troupe to put it on. You can join a troupe, or assemble one for your specific roles instead. Getting it published and printed on paper and sold as a book can be difficult. You should probably get an agent first, and let them advise you on how to get this done.

If the stage has a curtain, it would rise or open at the beginning of a play (or an act). If not, the house lights would dim, and the stage lights would come up.

If the stage has a curtain, it would rise or open at the beginning of a play (or an act). If not, the house lights would dim, and the stage lights would come up.

You can use as many as you need to let the actors know what actions are necessary.

You could do it either way. With a really interesting or fun story, a play can't help but be well received. The same is true, however, when a play has really interesting or fun characters.

They're not really stage directions, so call them writer's notes or director's notes.

That's hard to say. Some actors can absorb lines effortlessly; some really struggle. There are one-man or one-woman plays which consist of a single actor speaking the whole time. As a very general rule, you ought to be able to hand an experienced actor a 500-word monologue or a role consisting of 100 lines or 1,000 words. Most writers don't worry too much about that. Just write what you want, and let a director or casting director handle the rest.

That's especially good advice for an inexperienced playwright. "Big" plays are inherently complicated and difficult to stage. Start your writing career "small" and work up to bigger productions as you gain experience.

It could be if handled skillfully. Such names, however, could alienate a contemporary audience with what it might see as stereotypical characterizations.

There's no definite rule. Typically an act might contain between three and twelve scenes. The playwright has full discretion.

No. If you feel an explanation is necessary or desirable, you could utilize a character who likes to explain things.

Yes, many famous plays are filled with songs. They're known as "musicals."