Theatre: Creating the Dramatic ScriptCreating the Text  A theatre production is a collaboration Playwrights role is to create “centrality” Script is the starting point of a playThings the writer has think of while writing the script1. Selecting the specific subject of the playo Historyo Biographyo Someone’s personal lifeo Imaginary Story2. Focus and Emphasiso Must decide whom and what to focus on3. Dramatic Purposeo Entertain o Probe Human conditiono Provide and escape4. Structures in Dramao How scenes are put togethero High Point of the actiono A play unfolds through time5. Essentials of Dramatic Structureo Plot o Actiono Conflicto Opposed forces- One is stronger than the othero Balance of forces- They are both equal Exposition- They tell you a part of the story they don’t show you on screenConflict Character VS. Another Character Character VS. Self  Character VS. Forces of Nature Character VS. Society Character VS. Supernatural/ TechnologyStructure of a play Opening Sceneo Starts Actiono Sets tone and styleo Sets time and placeo Sets action into motiono Character presented in problem Obstacles and Complications Crisis and Climaxeso Result of obstacles and complicationsTwo Basic StructuresClimactic plot (Intensive)1. Plot begins late in the story 2. Covers a short space of time 3. Few solid, extended scenes4. Occurs in restricted location5. Characters are limited6. Plot is linear (In order)Episodic Plot (Extensive)1. Plot begins early 2. Covers a longer period of time3. Has short fragmented scenes4. Not in one location5. Many characters6. Several threads of actionTypes of Dramatic Characters Extraordinary Representative or quintessential Sock Characters  Characters with a Dominant Trait  Minor Narrator or Chorus