Watching a play can provoke many emotions: happiness, sadness, even anger. You get far more creative license writing a play than you would a screenplay (compare Posh to The Riot Club, and you’ll see what I mean).
However, writing a play comes with its own challenges. You’re limited to setting, and staging some things (such as magic tricks) can be difficult. But they’re not impossible. A lot can be done with modern technology and a good imagination, so keep an open mind when writing but remember to be practical.
Much of the staging will be up to the director and set designer, but if there are certain things that are required (such as a door that opens and closes, or a table), make sure it’s included in the descriptions.
How to write a play
1. Create an interesting plot
If you don’t have a plot, you don’t have a play. The plot leads your story, taking you, your audience and your characters from the beginning to the end. It doesn’t have to be linear, but audiences should be able to follow it.
2. Add an appropriate subplot
If you’re writing a longer play, consider a subplot.
One of my favourite subplots is in Twelfth Night, when Maria and co. trick Malvolio. It’s an equally confusing plot line, but offers a different kind of humour to the main plot. Maria and co. intentionally deceive Malvolio, as they feel that he deserves his comeuppance. Viola, meanwhile, thinks life would be easier as a man and does not intentionally set out to cause any harm. The two plots work together to entertain/horrify/amuse the audience.
