Write a scene
When Amelia and Saraid sat down to write Stomach they did lots of talking, shared heaps of ideas, and then had a go. Its never a straightforward process, but it is something that anyone can have a go at. Follow the steps below and have a go at writing a short scene. You might like to work with a friend or in a small group so you have someone to bounce ideas off.
And remember, there is more than one way to write. The steps below are just to help you get started, but listen to your instincts and do what feels right to you!
And remember, there is more than one way to write. The steps below are just to help you get started, but listen to your instincts and do what feels right to you!
1. Decide what to write about
You might already have an idea in mind for a play or scene, This is a fun place to start and a chance to be wild
- Try and think of something that happened to you, or a conversation you've had recently as a starting point. Ask yourself, what would have happened if things had gone differently.
- What genre will your story fall into? (eg. Drama, comedy, tragedy, surreal, horror, etc). Some stories fit into more than one genre.
- Use books, TV shows, and movies that you like for inspiration. Think about the basic plot points of a story you've scene, and then create new characters to work through a similar situation, in a different setting or genre.
2. Work out some of the details
- What is will happen in the scene you are going to write? (where will the scene start and where will it end?)
- Who are the characters involved, where are they from, and what are they like? (It might be good to stick to 2-3 characters for now).
- What is creating dramatic tension or conflict in the scene? What do the characters want from each other? (Tension or conflict can be created when characters each want something the other isn't will to give.)
- Where is the scene taking place and why is that important? (Is it in the present day , past, or future? What location/setting are the characters in? )
3. Have a go at writing the dialogue
Start to write a conversation between your characters, as you write think about the following things. As a starter, aim for a 2-3 page script/scene:
- Where does your scene start, and where do you want it to end? Once you know where you need to story to get to, you can work your way towards it.
- What would you say in the same situation as your characters? Dialogue works best when it is realistic, so don't be afraid to improvise the scene out loud and write down what comes out!
- How are the characters feeling? What each character says will be influenced by whether they are happy, sad, angry, bored, tired, etc.
- Conflict doesn't always have to be an argument. What are some of the other ways people respond when they don't get what they want?
- Don't forget about the action! Write stage directions or actions into your script too if you need to. (Is you character chopping onions? Hiding
from someone? On the phone? Write down what is happening so the actors will know what to do).
script_template.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |
4. Read it out loud to see how it sounds
Once you've had a go at writing a scene, have a go at reading it out loud.
- Assign characters to each person, and read through the script.
- You might like to read it a couple of times or try standing up and performing it to get a sense of the dramatic tension and try a few things to see what works.
- Listen out for the bits that don't sound right or natural and make note of them.
- It might also help to ask a friend to listen and give you some advice or feedback.
5. Change the bits that didn't work well
Once you've had a go at performing it you might have lots of new ideas to add to the scene, and you might want to change or remove some of the lines you wrote the first time around. As you edit your script, think about the following things
- Are any lines or parts of the scene that don't have anything to do with the story and now seem unnecessary?
- Is there anything missing or ideas you'd like to add to heighten the dramatic tension or move the story in a different direction?
- What would happen if you started the scene half way through what you've written? Sometimes it can be more powerful and interesting to start a scene right in the middle of the action, and cut out the build up.
- You might end up writing, reading, and rehearsing your scene a few times before you're happy with it.
6. Reflect on the process
Once you're finished, think about what parts of the writing you enjoyed the most and what worked for you.
- Did you like working with a group or friend, or do you prefer writing alone?
- Was it helpful getting someone else to come in and listen and give you feedback?
- Did you find it easier to improvise or say your dialogue out loud first, and then write down the words you've decided on?
OR - Did you prefer to write everything you think of on the page and then delete the bits you didn't like later?