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How to Create Realistic and Compelling Drama and Get Your Work Performed

Preston Simmons

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Published in Masterclass: Writing Plays: How To Create Realistic And Compelling Drama And Get Your Work Performed (Teach Yourself: Writing)

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As a playwright, you have the power to create worlds, tell stories, and change lives. But how do you do it? How do you write drama that is both realistic and compelling? And how do you get your work performed?

Masterclass: Writing Plays: How to create realistic and compelling drama and get your work performed (Teach Yourself: Writing)

by Lesley Bown

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	893 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages

In this comprehensive article, I'll share everything you need to know about writing and producing great drama. We'll cover everything from character development to plot construction to getting your work seen by the right people.

Developing Characters

The foundation of any great drama is its characters. Your characters should be believable, relatable, and complex. They should have their own unique motivations, desires, and flaws.

To create realistic characters, you need to do your research. Talk to people from all walks of life. Read books and articles about different cultures and experiences. And most importantly, observe the world around you.

Once you have a good understanding of human nature, you can start to create your characters. Give them a name, a backstory, and a personality. What do they look like? How do they sound? What are their hopes and dreams? Their fears and insecurities?

The more developed your characters are, the more believable and compelling your drama will be.

Constructing a Plot

The plot of your drama is the backbone of your story. It's what drives the action and keeps the audience engaged.

A well-constructed plot has a clear beginning, middle, and end. It rises to a climax, and then falls to a resolution.

When constructing your plot, it's important to keep in mind the following elements:

Conflict: Every good drama has conflict. This is what drives the story and keeps the audience engaged.
Suspense: Suspense is what keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. It's the feeling of anticipation and uncertainty that makes them want to keep reading or watching.
Resolution: The resolution is the end of your story. It's where all the loose ends are tied up and the conflict is resolved.

By following these elements, you can create a plot that is both engaging and satisfying.

Getting Your Work Performed

Once you've written a great drama, the next step is to get it performed. This can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible.

Here are a few tips for getting your work performed:

Submit your work to playwriting competitions: There are many playwriting competitions held throughout the year. Submitting your work to these competitions can be a great way to get your work seen by professionals.
Attend readings and workshops: Readings and workshops are a great way to get feedback on your work and meet other playwrights.
Network with other theater professionals: Get to know directors, actors, and other theater professionals. They may be able to help you get your work performed.
Start your own theater company: If you can't find a theater company to produce your work, you can always start your own.

Getting your work performed takes time and effort, but it's definitely possible. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

Writing and producing great drama is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success. So what are you waiting for? Start writing today!

Masterclass: Writing Plays: How to create realistic and compelling drama and get your work performed (Teach Yourself: Writing)

by Lesley Bown

4.1 out of 5