Elements of a play script

Category: Topics in the syllabus

What is a play script?

It's a manuscript of a play, especially as prepared for use by actors in rehearsals.
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It ​contains:

• The name of the play and the playwright.
• Acts and scenes. Each scene describes the setting at the start.
• Characters. 
• Dialogues.
  
• Stage directions for the actors/actresses.

Genres

There are many genres for plays such as:

• melodrama.
• comedy.
• tragedy.
• romance.
• thriller.
• musical.
• political.
• physical.

Example

Main elements of play script

1. Title
It’s the name of the play.
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2. Playwright
It’s the author of the play.

3. List of characters
People that take part in the story. It's at the beginning of the play script. 

4. Cast
The actors and actresses in a play.

5. Act, scene and setting
The acts are long sections of a play, made up of multiple scenes, usually designed to separate the play into its main parts. The scenes are shorter sections of a play, usually each scene occurs in one location at a specific time. Multiple scenes make up an act. Most scripts use either a three-act or five-act structure. Act and scene headings are centered. 

6. Stage directions
They tell actors/actresses what to do and where to go on stage, how to move and how to say their dialogues. Stage directions are indented one tab and italicized. Character's names in stage directions are capitalized.

7. Name of the character
Character's names are centered and capitalized.

8. Dialogues
​They are the lines the characters speak in the play. 

How do you start writing a play script?

1. Outline your story.
2. Write your story in three acts.
3. Add sequences.
4. Start writing scenes.
5. Write dialogues and actions.
6. Note technical elements such as costume changes, props, lighting, and settings.
7. Revise your work as many times as necessary.
8. Get feedback.