10 - Minute Play #1

We have an opportunity to have our original work performed by the senior acting class as part of their year-end project. However, they need a series of 10-minute plays. So let's give them a new one (and an old one, if you have a 10-minute play from last year...double your chances).

Take one of your premises that you wrote in your journal. Unify it (or shorten it to work within the 10-minute play format). You can unify your play by limiting the time, setting, and action. Remember that in 10-minute plays there should only be one major action for the protagonist to overcome. Of course, minor problems solved easily can be thrown in for good measure.

Remember the best plays revolve around the motivation of a protagonist. You want to avoid a premise that is solely character though, as characters need to want something-- a goal to achieve--but must have opposition or conflict. It is always this conflict that drives a play.

Other advice is to have a specific and workable setting (unless you are writing certain types of plays), that there is enough action that is performable, that the play includes a crisis and dark moment for your protagonist, that your play has a purpose or meaning that would appeal to a human audience (not just you). And that your play is plausible. It should feel true. Avoid cinematic writing. Keep your scenes long and talkative. Obey your unities!

Above all your script should communicate an idea.

Suggestions:
1. Write a monologue play. Use your previous monologues and write a play that ties them together or expands on the action inherent in them.
2. Write a poetic play. Like For Colored Girls...Enuf use a narrative poem you have already written as a basis for your 10-minute play.
3. Use a short story you've written to create a play similar in structure to Monster.
4. Use your journal to capture an idea--work with it, then begin writing. See where the muse takes you.

Your play can be anywhere between 4 and 10 pages. Do not go over 10 pages if you can help it. After writing, go back and proofread (you are turning this in for possible production in a SOTA show, after all.) During your proofreading, add details and poetic devices to make your writing sound and effective. The play should be written in proper script format and include a cover page with your title, name, and contact information.

Due: Friday, September 25.

Homework: work on finishing this project and read the handout about comedy and 10-minute play format.