Play Structure Workshop

Welcome back to another week of drama...literally. Here's today's agenda:

1. Reverse Quiz on Play Structure Handout
2. Discuss: helpful, new, interesting, or confusing ideas in Play Structure handout
3. Activity: Short Scene exercise

SHORT SCENE EXERCISE:

ALONE OR WITH A PARTNER, please write a short scene that includes 3 of the following 8 playwriting devices: INCITING INCIDENT, MAJOR DRAMATIC QUESTION, CRISIS, MAJOR DECISION, TIME LOCK, DARK MOMENT, ENLIGHTENMENT, SARCEY’S PRINCIPLE OF OFF STAGE ACTION. Be sure to establish the who (characters), where (setting), and what (theme or main idea).

To start this exercise, please write a short synopsis or the main idea (1-3 sentences) of the play. This will help organize your scene.

Example of synopsis: Bernie Breckett, owner of a smalltown convenient store, finds himself in a frustrating situation when elderly customer, Gail Hall, can't seem to remember what she's shopping for.

HW: Sections 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, and 8-5- Please read Act II of Our Town for tomorrow's class. Be ready to take a short quiz.