Going Off Script (Part 1) by Diane Bator

 

I've worked in theatre for over 4 years now and have met some amazing performers. I have also often thought of writing a script. I mean I've written a lot of books so how hard could it be? Last year, I actually started to write two plays but set them aside because of timing. Not many play performances going on.

Enter 2021.

January 4, I attended a virtual Write In and the leader of the group is a playwright. Cool.

January 6, my boss who is the Artistic Director in our theatre, asks if I've done any more with those scripts I started what seems like 10 years ago... We set up a meeting.

January 11, I get an email about a workshop with a playwrite whose work I admire. I sign up instantly. It seems this New Year isn't content with all the edits I'm currently doing. There is more to pile on my plate!

I have one thing going for me in the script department. I've always been better at dialogue than detail. I'm not ashamed to admit it takes several edits to add in a little extra oomph to my novels. Take All That Shines, book 2 in my Glitter Bay Mysteries that I am currently editing. My lovely beta reader asks, "How big is this room? That's a lot of stuff inside. Maybe you need to rethink this."

One thing with writing for stage: you have limited space where you can place your furniture, props, and performers. With novels, you can use the entire world--or even other worlds--to move things around at your leisure and whim.

Something both plays and novels do have in common is the basic 3 Act Layout. They both have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Both need to have more than one storyline going on to keep the audience/reader's interest. Both also need to keep the action moving along. No lulls allowed.

With playwriting and plays in general, one thing to be kept in mind is how superstitous theatre people are. For example:

• Never ever say the work MacBeth in a theatre. It is that Scottish play. If anyone does say it, they should exit the theatre, spin around in a circle three times, and spit. 
• No live flowers on stage.
• Whistling backstage is a jinx.
• Peacock feathers onstage are bad luck.
• Say "break a leg" instead of "good luck.
• Mirrors onstage are bad luck.
• Always turn on a ghostlight before leaving the theatre.

With those things in mind, I've set off to write a play about a ghost haunting a theatre. Yes, there is a ghostlight involved and some superstitions could come into play. (yup, bad pun!) I also have a couple great mentors to help me write and later workshop my play.

My workshop began January 26 and runs until February 16. I'll fill you in on how it all goes!

Have a great month until we meet again!

Diane Bator

https://www.bookswelove.com/bator-diane/