One Act Plays

You voted, and I am delivering! In Creative Writing for the remainder of the semester you will be working on writing a One Act play with a partner.

Your Task: After our class brainstorming session, you can your partner should choose one of the scenarios we listed on the board as a starting point. You will work together to develop the plot, the characters, the setting, and the script. As a final presentation, you and your partner will share the piece with the class. You will not be graded on your acting ability; however, I will ask that you attempt to become your character as you share your play with the class. I am excited because I think this assignment is in tune with the “spirited” nature of our class. Let’s get started! 

1. You first must outline the basic plot.

a. What problem(s) are your characters facing?

b. What has happened before the scene that you need to be aware of?

c. How will each character react to the problem?

2. Next you need to develop the setting of the scene.

a. Where are your characters talking?

b. When does this scene take place?

c. What does the set look like (props, furniture, etc.) (only if needed)?

3. Next decide on characters. Each play will have two characters. Each of you will be responsible for developing one character. You will need to fill out a character web and questionnaire for each character.

4. Once you’ve developed the plot and the characters, you will need to develop the dialogue of the play, which is your script.

a. Look over your outline for your plot. Divide the outline in half. One person will write the 1st half of the scene and the other person will write the 2nd half of the scene. You will put the two parts together later and work out any breaks in flow.

b. Format the script using the model we read together in class.

b.i. Include a title for your one act play (center at the top of your script)

b.ii. Include a character list with a brief description of each character

b.iii. Include a basic prop list

b.iv. Include a brief description of the setting

b.v. Include a brief summary of the scene

b.vi. Include the scene:

b.vi.1. CAPITALIZE each character’s name followed by a colon. b.vi.2. Type the character’s line next to his or her name. All lines should be lined up (tab over 1 or 2x after the name).

b.vi.3. Type all stage directions (movements, gestures, actions, tone of voice, etc.) in BRACKETS AND ITALICS.

5. After you’ve written the script, read through it with your partner, making revisions. Be sure that the characters’ personalities are consistent throughout the scene. Make sure that after you’ve joined your two parts together, the scene makes sense and flows. THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!

6. Once you’ve revised your play, read through it together, each of you becoming one of the characters. Read through it a few times to become comfortable with the script so you can read through it for the class without getting hung up on the wording.

Tentative Schedule

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 29 30 1 2 3 Introduce Playwriting Journal Work on character Share character webs DRAFTING Assignment (read Outline basic plot webs and with partner Your half of the scene example, look at Turn in plot diagram questionnaires Discuss who will write is due Monday, May format) Write brief description DUE TOMORROW which part of the 13th. Does not have to Brainstorm scenarios of setting scene be typed. Choose partners Choose scenario

6 7 8 9 10 TESTING TESTING TESTING 9th Grade TESTING- 9th Grade TESTING- NO CW No 1st pd CW We will have 1st pd CW You will report to the You will report to the We will have 6th pd CW We will have 6th pd CW gym instead of my gym instead of my (8th grade only) class. Bring something class. Bring something to do!! to do!! 13 14 15 16 17 Revision with partner Typing/Formatting HONORS DAY Share! Share! Typing/Formatting 9th Grade TESTING- 6th CW will report to gym 20 21 22 23 24 Share! EXAMS Celebration of Writing Day!

Category Possible Points Points Earned Character: Accurately portrays characters through dialogue 10 points Content: Creative, yet accessible (and plausible) plot line, characters, 10 points and setting Content: Logical flow of events 8 points Content: Substantial length (enough to understand events, characters, 5 points and conflict) Assignment: Included all parts of the script as outlined on assignment 10 points sheet Format: Stage directions included and are clear (bracketed and 8 points italicized throughout script) Format: Names capitalized (every time!) with colon after 3 points Format: Spacing is correct 3 points Revision: Errors in mechanics do not disrupt the flow of events 5 points Sharing: Each partner puts forth effort when it is your group’s turn to 8 points share; each partner has shared the load throughout the project! Total: ____/70 points