Writing Your First Play

by Hall, Roger

• ISBN13: 9780240802909
• ISBN10: 024080290X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-02-11
• Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS

About This Book

Writing Your First Play, 2nd Edition

ISBN: 9780240802909

Writing Your First Play, 2nd Edition, is a comprehensive guide designed to help beginners embark on their journey to writing a play. This book provides the essential tools and motivation needed to tell a story through dramatic form.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by aspiring playwrights, students, and educators in introductory playwriting courses. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the basics of playwriting, including those looking to refresh their knowledge or expand their understanding of dramatic storytelling.

History and Editions

The 2nd edition of Writing Your First Play has been thoroughly updated with a set of exercises aimed at helping beginners develop their skills. First published in 1998, this edition reflects the latest insights and techniques in playwriting, making it an essential tool for anyone starting out in the field.

Author and Other Works

Roger Hall is the author of Writing Your First Play. Roger Hall is known for his contributions to the world of playwriting, having written numerous plays that have been performed both locally and internationally. His work in this book is characterized by its clarity and practicality, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Exercises: The book includes a set of exercises designed to help beginners develop their playwriting skills.
• Updated Edition: Thoroughly updated to address user feedback and incorporate the latest insights in playwriting.
• Practical Guidance: Provides practical guidance on how to structure a play, develop characters, and engage audiences.
• Motivational Approach: Encourages readers with motivational techniques to keep them engaged throughout the writing process.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780240802909
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780240802916
• Other Editions: Available through various retailers

Publication Details

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Publication Date: February 11, 1998
• Number of Pages: Varies
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

Available through various retailers. For more detailed information on other editions or formats, please refer to the specific retailer's listings.

---

This information provides a clear and concise overview of Writing Your First Play, 2nd Edition, making it easy for students and educators to understand the book's purpose, history, and key features.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix	(2)
Phoef Sutton
Preface	xi	(6)
Introduction	xvii
1. Action	1	(11)
Dramatic Action Provokes Questions	3	(2)
Dramatic Action Employs Verbs	5	(2)
Exercise 1.1	7	(1)
Evaluation	8	(1)
Example: A Man in a Bus Terminal	9	(1)
Evaluation	10	(1)
Where Ideas Come From	11	(1)
2. Direct Conflict	12	(13)
Obstacles and Conflict	13	(1)
Outcomes	14	(1)
Stage Terminology	15	(2)
Exercise 2.1	17	(1)
Example: Who's Selling Out Now?	17	(3)
Example: Absolutely Nothing	20	(3)
Evaluation	23	(2)
3 Character	25	(13)
Character vs. Action	25	(4)
Example: A Woman At Christmas	29	(2)
Exercise 3.1	31	(1)
Example: Big Brother	31	(3)
Example: Conversation	34	(2)
Evaluation	36	(2)
4 Dialogue	38	(15)
Exposition and "Chunking"	41	(3)
Cliches	44	(1)
Exercise 4.1	45	(1)
Adverb Disease	45	(1)
Example: Good Idea, If It Works	46	(5)
Evaluation	51	(2)
5 Three-Character Conflict	53	(17)
Three in a Room	54	(2)
Dramatic Irony and Love Triangles	56	(2)
Exercise 5.1	58	(1)
Example: Break	58	(5)
Evaluation	63	(1)
Example: Nibbles	64	(4)
Evaluation	68	(2)
6 Writing From Life	70	(19)
Emotional Connections and Hazards	71	(3)
Exercise 6.1	74	(1)
Example: Cliche	75	(4)
Evaluation	79	(1)
Example: The Donut Shop	80	(7)
Evaluation	87	(2)
7 Writing From a Source	89	(15)
Dangers of Fact	90	(2)
Exercise 7.1	92	(1)
Example: Abracapocus	92	(6)
Evaluation	98	(1)
Example: Unattainable	98	(4)
Evaluation	102	(2)
8 Expanding Your Skills	104	(8)
Spontaneous Composition	104	(1)
Exercise 8.1	104	(1)
Example: Get a Life	105	(1)
Problem Solving: People, Places, and Props	105	(2)
Exercise 8.2	107	(1)
Location, Location, Location!	108	(1)
Exercise 8.3	108	(1)
Words, Words, Words	109	(1)
Exercise 8.4	109	(1)
Questions	109	(1)
Exercise 8.5	109	(1)
Live Theater	110	(1)
Exercise 8.6	110	(1)
Animals	111	(1)
Exercise 8.7	111	(1)
9 Writing Your Play	112	(29)
Why Now?	116	(1)
Style	117	(1)
Exercise 9.1	118	(1)
Example: Cable Man	118	(20)
Evaluation	138	(3)
10 Marketing Your Play	141	(8)
Format	141	(1)
Productions, Agents, and Contracts	142	(2)
Contests	144	(1)
Retreats, Residencies, Seminars, and the Web	145	(2)
Play-Leasing Companies and Publishers	147	(1)
Writing Your Second Play	148	(1)
Appendix: Classroom Procedures	149	(2)
Bibliography	151	(4)
Index	155