Our First Playwriting Day

Today, 21 March, we decided that we need to find a Full Day (8 am - 1 pm) without any other engagements. We also unanimously decided that choosing first Saturday of April will be a perfect day. I have planned 4 sessions on 2 April to write our first full play. Those who will miss the day will not be given any alternative day. Here is the summary of our proposed 4 sessions. 

Session 1: The Stage as a Unique Medium, Character and Conflict 

• Understanding the Stage - using the Stage's great capabilities and learning what makes Theatre different from Films. 
• Creating characters - find Method for building Characters that is right for you. 
• Tension of Opposites - Give your characters Tension and Dimension

Conflict - Placing the characters' Wants + Desires in opposition 

Session 2: Setting, Structure, & Question of the Play

• Setting - choosing the right When & Where for your play to begin with.
• Three-Act Structure - Beginning, Middle, and End - of your play.
• Alternate play structures - recognizing when your play may require a different organizing principle. 
• The Question of the play - keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. 

Session 3: Dialogue, Stage Direction, Format

• Dialogue - making each character's voice distinctive + memorable
• Punctuation - secret of making your intentions clear.
• Exposition - controlling flow of information to keep your Play moving and your Audience engaged. 
• Stage Directions - communicating the action clearly and succinctly (brief & sharp).
• Formatting - giving your play that professional look. 

Session 4: Rewriting & (What to do Next)

• The Writer's Web - elements to explore to turn a Good Play into a Great Play. 
• What to do next - Why and wherefores of play development and submission.