Structure: Refers to the breakdown of plot points and the overall story of the play.
Format: Refers to the visual representation of the play on the page, including how dialogue and stage directions are laid out.
PUBLISHED SCRIPTS
Most scripts exhibit a similar appearance after publication.
The playwright can express their unique voice through the layout and format of the script on the page.
EXAMPLE: "IT'S ONLY A PLAY" BY TERRENCE MCNALLY
Edition: Broadway Edition
Publisher: Dramatists Play Service Inc.
SETTING AND SCENE DESCRIPTION
ACT ONE: Setting of Julia Budder's Bedroom
Description: A large bedroom with a king-sized bed, chaise lounge, several armchairs, a television set, bookcase, and a desk equipped with multiple telephones.
Doors: One leads to a bathroom, and the other to the hallway.
Windows: Two windows with drapes drawn, facing the street.
Threshold Sounds: Party noises from downstairs signify a gathering taking place.
Sounds include voices, laughter, and piano music.
Room significance: The bedroom is an escape from the party's chaos.
Winter coats piled on the bed, indicating many guests.
Character Introduction: Gus Head
Entrance: Gus enters wearing a dinner jacket and carrying coats.
Action: He tosses coats and proceeds to make a phone call, indicating an eager and energetic personality.
Dialogue Snippet: Interaction with Mr. Piper
GUS:
Excitedly reports to Mr. Piper about meeting Al Pacino and other celebrities at the party.
Expresses appreciation for the opportunity to be involved in theater.
CHARACTER INTERACTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
Introduction of James Wicker
Entrance: James Wicker engages in a conversation as he arrives from the hallway.
Welcoming Expression: He conveys excitement about the party but indicates the crowd made communication difficult.
Dialogue Exchange: Gus and James
GUS: Questions if James has seen the play.
JAMES: Responds humorously, noting he's simply a guest.
Professional Background:
James identifies himself as James Wicker, also known as Jimmy.
Discusses his experience as a temporary actor versus Gus's aspirations.
CHARACTER BIOGRAPHIES
Gus Head
Occupation: Acts as a temporary helper at the party.
Self-Identification: Describes himself as an "interdisciplinary theatre artist."
Skills include acting, singing, dancing, comedy, performance art, miming, and operating heavy machinery.
Favorite Role: Konstantin from Chekhov's The Seagull.
James Wicker
Occupation: An established actor and participant in a successful television series, "Out on a Limb."
Awards: Received five Best Actor Emmy Award nominations.
Background: References a long friendship with playwright Austin and past experiences in not-for-profit theater.
ANALYSIS OF SCRIPT FORMAT
Formatting of Script Before Publication
Reference: There are established formats that publishers like Samuel French and Dramatists require.
Objective: Writers must reformat their scripts according to specific guidelines for submission and publication.
Elements Observed in Script on the Page
Key Features:
Page numbers, character names, stage directions, and dialogue.
Stage Directions: Centered and demonstrate character movement or emotional cues.
Character Names: Centered and in all capital letters.
Dialogue Presentation: Runs across the page from left to right.
Special Considerations
Stage Directions: Should provide setting, timing, and emotional guidance but not dictate actions outside the narrative or details irrelevant to the story.
Avoid statements like "crosses to center stage" unless artistically crucial to the plot.
FINAL TOUCHES IN SCRIPTWRITING
Closing a Script
Ending Note: Always conclude the script with a notation: "THE END" to signal the closure of the narrative.