Playwright
Playwriting for dramatic theater
A good playwright knows how to structure a piece of dramatic theater to keep the audience interested. There is a certain pacing and symmetry that is needed for dramatic playwriting. Musical theater is another discipline that is similar, but has its own set of principles to follow. One way to learn the concepts of dramatic writing is to enroll in playwriting courses or enter playwright contests. Even if you are unable to take a specific course, there are a few playwriting tips that can greatly improve your work.
Think about the Space between Your Characters
Physical space is an important aspect of dramatic playwriting. You can place the characters close together in a small room to increase the tension or spread things out to give the scene a more relaxed atmosphere. Consider the locations of the exits on the stage, as these can be used for dramatic effect.
Keep Symmetry in the Plot
Most of the top playwrights are able to balance out the elements of their plays. Where there is absurdity, there should also be logic and structure. Where there is dramatic tension, there must be a release on the other end.
Be Clear when Using Metaphors
Nothing kills a plot quicker than a clumsy metaphor that makes no sense. Keep all of your metaphors well-defined and concise. Many beginning playwrights try to make their plays too deep and complex. Often the simple metaphor is far more effective.
Make All of Your Characters Human
Often it is easy to get sidetracked in developing a plot and you might forget to flesh out the characters and their motivations. A good play is all about the characters involved. You want the audience to be able to identify with the hopes and dreams of the characters, or feel their deepest heartbreak. The plot itself is usually secondary to the innermost workings of the characters’ minds. Fully developing the characters as a playwright will also allow your actors to showcase their talents and depth.
Keep it Brief
Novice playwrights typically write lengthy dialogues that slow down the pace of the play. Reading other top writers can show you some helpful playwriting tips to convey the point of a scene without overdoing it. It is possible to express the character’s feelings without having to say it outright. Let the actors use the silences in your plot to express their emotions on the stage.
