The Playwright's Process

The Playwright's Process

Author: Buzz Mclaughlin

Publisher: Back Stage Books

Published: 2011-11-23

Total Pages: 377

ISBN-13: 0307799522

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Here is the first and only manual for playwrights ever designed to draw directly from the wisdom of leading contemporary dramatists. Interwoven with hundreds of quotations from the author's own in-depth interview series at the Dramatists Guild, in New York City, The Playwright's Process offers a fresh and lively discussion of the indispensable ingredients of strong dramatic writing. Every essential step the writer must take to create a well-written, stageworthy play is examined and explored. Also mining his own experience as a dramatist and a teacher of playwriting, author Buzz McLaughlin details the entire process of developing the kernel of an idea into a fully realized play—from the writer's very first jottings to the readings and workshops that lead to a professional production. Laying in the basic building blocks of dramatic structure, the exploration of character, the elements of good dialogue writing, and much, much more, McLaughlin reinforces every lesson with the words of: Edward Albee Lee Blessing Horton Foote Athol Fugard John Guare Tina Howe David Ives Romulus Linney Emily Mann Terrence McNally Arthur Miller Marsha Norman John Patrick Shanley Wendy Wasserstein Michael Weller Lanford Wilson A resource for beginning and experienced writers, The Playwright's Process is a virtual guided tour of the dramatist's challenging and often mysterious creative process, chock-full of specific techniques, practical exercises, and candid observations on craft and method straight from the mouths of working, award-winning playwrights. No book on playwriting has offered so much before, or in such an illuminating and integrated way.


Book Synopsis The Playwright's Process by : Buzz Mclaughlin

Download or read book The Playwright's Process written by Buzz Mclaughlin and published by Back Stage Books. This book was released on 2011-11-23 with total page 377 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Here is the first and only manual for playwrights ever designed to draw directly from the wisdom of leading contemporary dramatists. Interwoven with hundreds of quotations from the author's own in-depth interview series at the Dramatists Guild, in New York City, The Playwright's Process offers a fresh and lively discussion of the indispensable ingredients of strong dramatic writing. Every essential step the writer must take to create a well-written, stageworthy play is examined and explored. Also mining his own experience as a dramatist and a teacher of playwriting, author Buzz McLaughlin details the entire process of developing the kernel of an idea into a fully realized play—from the writer's very first jottings to the readings and workshops that lead to a professional production. Laying in the basic building blocks of dramatic structure, the exploration of character, the elements of good dialogue writing, and much, much more, McLaughlin reinforces every lesson with the words of: Edward Albee Lee Blessing Horton Foote Athol Fugard John Guare Tina Howe David Ives Romulus Linney Emily Mann Terrence McNally Arthur Miller Marsha Norman John Patrick Shanley Wendy Wasserstein Michael Weller Lanford Wilson A resource for beginning and experienced writers, The Playwright's Process is a virtual guided tour of the dramatist's challenging and often mysterious creative process, chock-full of specific techniques, practical exercises, and candid observations on craft and method straight from the mouths of working, award-winning playwrights. No book on playwriting has offered so much before, or in such an illuminating and integrated way.

Playwriting Master Class

Playwriting Master Class

Author: Michael Wright

Publisher: Focus

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781585103423

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Addresses the process of playwriting for the active playwright. Eight playwrights and their approaches to writing and revision are covered, and each case is followed by a series of activities that writers can employ in their own processes.


Book Synopsis Playwriting Master Class by : Michael Wright

Download or read book Playwriting Master Class written by Michael Wright and published by Focus. This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Addresses the process of playwriting for the active playwright. Eight playwrights and their approaches to writing and revision are covered, and each case is followed by a series of activities that writers can employ in their own processes.

The Subversive Copy Editor

The Subversive Copy Editor

Author: Carol Fisher Saller

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2009-08-01

Total Pages: 151

ISBN-13: 0226734102

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Each year writers and editors submit over three thousand grammar and style questions to the Q&A page at The Chicago Manual of Style Online. Some are arcane, some simply hilarious—and one editor, Carol Fisher Saller, reads every single one of them. All too often she notes a classic author-editor standoff, wherein both parties refuse to compromise on the "rights" and "wrongs" of prose styling: "This author is giving me a fit." "I wish that I could just DEMAND the use of the serial comma at all times." "My author wants his preface to come at the end of the book. This just seems ridiculous to me. I mean, it’s not a post-face." In The Subversive Copy Editor, Saller casts aside this adversarial view and suggests new strategies for keeping the peace. Emphasizing habits of carefulness, transparency, and flexibility, she shows copy editors how to build an environment of trust and cooperation. One chapter takes on the difficult author; another speaks to writers themselves. Throughout, the focus is on serving the reader, even if it means breaking "rules" along the way. Saller’s own foibles and misadventures provide ample material: "I mess up all the time," she confesses. "It’s how I know things." Writers, Saller acknowledges, are only half the challenge, as copy editors can also make trouble for themselves. (Does any other book have an index entry that says "terrorists. See copy editors"?) The book includes helpful sections on e-mail etiquette, work-flow management, prioritizing, and organizing computer files. One chapter even addresses the special concerns of freelance editors. Saller’s emphasis on negotiation and flexibility will surprise many copy editors who have absorbed, along with the dos and don’ts of their stylebooks, an attitude that their way is the right way. In encouraging copy editors to banish their ignorance and disorganization, insecurities and compulsions, the Chicago Q&A presents itself as a kind of alter ego to the comparatively staid Manual of Style. In The Subversive Copy Editor, Saller continues her mission with audacity and good humor.


Book Synopsis The Subversive Copy Editor by : Carol Fisher Saller

Download or read book The Subversive Copy Editor written by Carol Fisher Saller and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2009-08-01 with total page 151 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Each year writers and editors submit over three thousand grammar and style questions to the Q&A page at The Chicago Manual of Style Online. Some are arcane, some simply hilarious—and one editor, Carol Fisher Saller, reads every single one of them. All too often she notes a classic author-editor standoff, wherein both parties refuse to compromise on the "rights" and "wrongs" of prose styling: "This author is giving me a fit." "I wish that I could just DEMAND the use of the serial comma at all times." "My author wants his preface to come at the end of the book. This just seems ridiculous to me. I mean, it’s not a post-face." In The Subversive Copy Editor, Saller casts aside this adversarial view and suggests new strategies for keeping the peace. Emphasizing habits of carefulness, transparency, and flexibility, she shows copy editors how to build an environment of trust and cooperation. One chapter takes on the difficult author; another speaks to writers themselves. Throughout, the focus is on serving the reader, even if it means breaking "rules" along the way. Saller’s own foibles and misadventures provide ample material: "I mess up all the time," she confesses. "It’s how I know things." Writers, Saller acknowledges, are only half the challenge, as copy editors can also make trouble for themselves. (Does any other book have an index entry that says "terrorists. See copy editors"?) The book includes helpful sections on e-mail etiquette, work-flow management, prioritizing, and organizing computer files. One chapter even addresses the special concerns of freelance editors. Saller’s emphasis on negotiation and flexibility will surprise many copy editors who have absorbed, along with the dos and don’ts of their stylebooks, an attitude that their way is the right way. In encouraging copy editors to banish their ignorance and disorganization, insecurities and compulsions, the Chicago Q&A presents itself as a kind of alter ego to the comparatively staid Manual of Style. In The Subversive Copy Editor, Saller continues her mission with audacity and good humor.

The Elements of Playwriting

The Elements of Playwriting

Author: Louis E. Catron

Publisher: Waveland Press

Published: 2017-12-06

Total Pages: 199

ISBN-13: 1478636882

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Louis Catron imbued experienced and fledgling playwrights with inspiration, guidance, and a passport to maximizing their writing skills as well as their overall ability to transform written words into a stage production. He understood that being a playwright is more than putting pen to paper. It involves expressing a personal point of view, bringing a vision to life, developing dimensional characters, structuring a play’s action, and finding producers, directors, and actors to bring the work to life. In the second edition Norman Bert infuses the enduring merits of Catron’s original work with examples, technological developments, and trends geared to today’s readers. Bert’s play references are familiar to contemporary students, including examples from plays written since 2000. He includes useful information on web-based research and the electronic submission process. A new chapter focuses on the playwright’s responsibility to lay the groundwork for production elements like casting, design, theatre architecture as it impacts audience–performer relationships, staging modes, and the uses and expectations of stage directions. Also new to this edition are reading resources for delving deeper into topics discussed.


Book Synopsis The Elements of Playwriting by : Louis E. Catron

Download or read book The Elements of Playwriting written by Louis E. Catron and published by Waveland Press. This book was released on 2017-12-06 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Louis Catron imbued experienced and fledgling playwrights with inspiration, guidance, and a passport to maximizing their writing skills as well as their overall ability to transform written words into a stage production. He understood that being a playwright is more than putting pen to paper. It involves expressing a personal point of view, bringing a vision to life, developing dimensional characters, structuring a play’s action, and finding producers, directors, and actors to bring the work to life. In the second edition Norman Bert infuses the enduring merits of Catron’s original work with examples, technological developments, and trends geared to today’s readers. Bert’s play references are familiar to contemporary students, including examples from plays written since 2000. He includes useful information on web-based research and the electronic submission process. A new chapter focuses on the playwright’s responsibility to lay the groundwork for production elements like casting, design, theatre architecture as it impacts audience–performer relationships, staging modes, and the uses and expectations of stage directions. Also new to this edition are reading resources for delving deeper into topics discussed.

Young Playwrights 101

Young Playwrights 101

Author: Jonathan Charles Dorf

Publisher: Young Playwrights 101

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 153

ISBN-13: 1599710692

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YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS 101 is a complete playwriting course that uses easy-to-follow lessons and practical exercises to guide playwrights from idea through submission. While it was originally written with young playwrights and their teachers in mind, you dont have to be a student or drama teacher to benefit from YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS 101: no matter what your age or experience, if youre looking for detailed, no-nonsense advice about the craft and business of playwriting-and to write plays that will actually be produced-this is the resource for you. Here are just a few examples of topics youll find inside: Creating Characters Conflict Play Structure Choosing the Right Setting The "Question" of the Play How to Use an Outline Handling Exposition Using Punctuation to Write Better Dialogue Opening and Ending Your Play The Writing Process Dealing with Writer's Block Choosing the Best Title Recentering Your Play Rewriting Using the Expanded Writer's Web and Troubleshooter's Checklist How to Have a Useful Play Reading The Playwright's Bill of Rights and much, much more Whether youre writing your first play, want to brush up on your skills or are looking for that missing something in your writing, YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS 101 is the jumpstart you need to write plays that make it to the stage.


Book Synopsis Young Playwrights 101 by : Jonathan Charles Dorf

Download or read book Young Playwrights 101 written by Jonathan Charles Dorf and published by Young Playwrights 101. This book was released on 2005 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS 101 is a complete playwriting course that uses easy-to-follow lessons and practical exercises to guide playwrights from idea through submission. While it was originally written with young playwrights and their teachers in mind, you dont have to be a student or drama teacher to benefit from YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS 101: no matter what your age or experience, if youre looking for detailed, no-nonsense advice about the craft and business of playwriting-and to write plays that will actually be produced-this is the resource for you. Here are just a few examples of topics youll find inside: Creating Characters Conflict Play Structure Choosing the Right Setting The "Question" of the Play How to Use an Outline Handling Exposition Using Punctuation to Write Better Dialogue Opening and Ending Your Play The Writing Process Dealing with Writer's Block Choosing the Best Title Recentering Your Play Rewriting Using the Expanded Writer's Web and Troubleshooter's Checklist How to Have a Useful Play Reading The Playwright's Bill of Rights and much, much more Whether youre writing your first play, want to brush up on your skills or are looking for that missing something in your writing, YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS 101 is the jumpstart you need to write plays that make it to the stage.

Playwriting in Process

Playwriting in Process

Author: Michael Wright

Publisher: Hackett Publishing

Published: 2009-08-01

Total Pages: 235

ISBN-13: 1585105791

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Playwriting in Process: Thinking and Working Theatrically is written to encourage new and experienced playwrights to build techniques for a greater range of creative expression in writing for the stage. The book uses exercises to guide playwrights towards thinking and working theatrically. The exercises help playwrights start or revise their work by providing alternate ways of thinking about their subject and their processes. New to the second edition: new exercises, a general updating such as the use of the internet, a new chapter for teachers and playwriting group leaders on using this book in class, and end-of-chapter "Call Out" exercises. Useful for playwrights at all levels.


Book Synopsis Playwriting in Process by : Michael Wright

Download or read book Playwriting in Process written by Michael Wright and published by Hackett Publishing. This book was released on 2009-08-01 with total page 235 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Playwriting in Process: Thinking and Working Theatrically is written to encourage new and experienced playwrights to build techniques for a greater range of creative expression in writing for the stage. The book uses exercises to guide playwrights towards thinking and working theatrically. The exercises help playwrights start or revise their work by providing alternate ways of thinking about their subject and their processes. New to the second edition: new exercises, a general updating such as the use of the internet, a new chapter for teachers and playwriting group leaders on using this book in class, and end-of-chapter "Call Out" exercises. Useful for playwrights at all levels.

Spaces of Creation

Spaces of Creation

Author: Suzan Zeder

Publisher: Heinemann Drama

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13:

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The authors offer insights, exercises and etudes intended to guide you through the process of accessing ideas and images from your own inner resources of mind and body.


Book Synopsis Spaces of Creation by : Suzan Zeder

Download or read book Spaces of Creation written by Suzan Zeder and published by Heinemann Drama. This book was released on 2005 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The authors offer insights, exercises and etudes intended to guide you through the process of accessing ideas and images from your own inner resources of mind and body.

Audience and the Playwright

Audience and the Playwright

Author: Mayo Simon

Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 9781557835628

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"Structured as an evening in the theatre, this book is analytical but straightforward, serious but entertaining. Mayo Simon presents a working playwright's view of what really happens between the stage and the audience, from the beginning of the play until the end." --BOOK JACKET.


Book Synopsis Audience and the Playwright by : Mayo Simon

Download or read book Audience and the Playwright written by Mayo Simon and published by Hal Leonard Corporation. This book was released on 2003 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Structured as an evening in the theatre, this book is analytical but straightforward, serious but entertaining. Mayo Simon presents a working playwright's view of what really happens between the stage and the audience, from the beginning of the play until the end." --BOOK JACKET.

Play Readings

Play Readings

Author: Rob Urbinati

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2015-10-05

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 1317554647

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Play Readings: A Complete Guide for Theatre Practitioners demystifies the standards and protocols of a play reading, demonstrating how to create effective and evocative readings for those new to or inexperienced with the genre. It examines all of the essential considerations involved in readings, including the use of the venue, pre-reading preparations, playwright/director communication, editing/adapting stage directions, casting, using the limited rehearsal time effectively, simple "staging" suggestions, working with actors, handling complex stage directions, talkbacks, and limiting the use of props, costumes, and music. A variety of readings are covered, including readings of musicals, operas, and period plays, for comprehensive coverage of this increasingly prevalent production form.


Book Synopsis Play Readings by : Rob Urbinati

Download or read book Play Readings written by Rob Urbinati and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2015-10-05 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Play Readings: A Complete Guide for Theatre Practitioners demystifies the standards and protocols of a play reading, demonstrating how to create effective and evocative readings for those new to or inexperienced with the genre. It examines all of the essential considerations involved in readings, including the use of the venue, pre-reading preparations, playwright/director communication, editing/adapting stage directions, casting, using the limited rehearsal time effectively, simple "staging" suggestions, working with actors, handling complex stage directions, talkbacks, and limiting the use of props, costumes, and music. A variety of readings are covered, including readings of musicals, operas, and period plays, for comprehensive coverage of this increasingly prevalent production form.

What Playwrights Talk About When They Talk About Writing

What Playwrights Talk About When They Talk About Writing

Author: Jeffrey Sweet

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2017-02-21

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 0300228058

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The art and craft of playwriting as explored in candid conversations with some of the most important contemporary dramatists Edward Albee, Lanford Wilson, Lynn Nottage, A. R. Gurney, and a host of other major creative voices of the theater discuss the art of playwriting, from inspiration to production, in a volume that marks the tenth anniversary of the Yale Drama Series and the David Charles Horn Foundation Prize for emerging playwrights. Jeffrey Sweet, himself an award-winning dramatist, hosts a virtual roundtable of perspectives on how to tell stories onstage featuring extensive interviews with a gallery of gifted contemporary dramatists. In their own words, Arthur Kopit, Marsha Norman, Christopher Durang, David Hare, and many others offer insights into all aspects of the creative writing process as well as their personal views on the business, politics, and fraternity of professional theater. This essential work will give playwrights and playgoers alike a deeper and more profound appreciation of the art form they love.


Book Synopsis What Playwrights Talk About When They Talk About Writing by : Jeffrey Sweet

Download or read book What Playwrights Talk About When They Talk About Writing written by Jeffrey Sweet and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2017-02-21 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The art and craft of playwriting as explored in candid conversations with some of the most important contemporary dramatists Edward Albee, Lanford Wilson, Lynn Nottage, A. R. Gurney, and a host of other major creative voices of the theater discuss the art of playwriting, from inspiration to production, in a volume that marks the tenth anniversary of the Yale Drama Series and the David Charles Horn Foundation Prize for emerging playwrights. Jeffrey Sweet, himself an award-winning dramatist, hosts a virtual roundtable of perspectives on how to tell stories onstage featuring extensive interviews with a gallery of gifted contemporary dramatists. In their own words, Arthur Kopit, Marsha Norman, Christopher Durang, David Hare, and many others offer insights into all aspects of the creative writing process as well as their personal views on the business, politics, and fraternity of professional theater. This essential work will give playwrights and playgoers alike a deeper and more profound appreciation of the art form they love.