Writing Your First Play provides the beginning playwright with the tools and motivation to tell a story through dramatic form. Based in a series of exercises which gradually grow more complex, the books helps the reader to understand the basic elements of drama, conflict, and action. The exercises help the reader to become increasingly sophisticated in the use of dramatic formats, turning simple ideas into a viable play.

Topics include:
the role of action in drama;
developing action and conflict to reveal character;
writing powerful and persuasive dialog;
writing from personal experience:pros and cons;
how to begin the story and develop the storyline.

This new edition is thoroughly updated and contains new examples based on contemporary plays. The author has added additional writing exercises and a new student-written one act play. It also contains a new chapter on how to sell your play once it is written.

With examples based on student work, this text both inspires and educates the student and fledgling playwright, providing solid tools and techniques for the craft of writing a drama.

Roger A. Hall, a professor of theatre at James Madison University, had taught playwriting for nearly 20 years. Many of his students have gone on to write for theatre, television, and the screen. He has written numerous plays and articles and has acted and directed extensively in the theatre.

Explores all aspects of how to write a first play Examples are based on undergraduate level student work Thoroughly updated, including a new chapter on how to market your play once it is written

About the Author
Roger A. Hall

Reviews

Review of First Edition:
"Simplifies playwriting by breaking the process into its components. The result is both clear and helpful"
Dramatics, 1992

Review of the Second Edition:
'Writing Your First Play is the second edition of Roger A. Hall's excellent survey of the creative process. He presents a structure that should give new playwrights confidence in the process, and help them to develop their own voice and point of view.' - Stage Directions

Book Information
ISBN 9780240802909
Author Roger Hall
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Focal Press
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 268g