Story to Stage Workbook
As Script Consultant to the Puppeteers of America, Charmaine created this step-by-step guide for novice writers who want to transform favorite stories into plays for stage or puppet theater. Perfect for teachers, youth leaders and young playwrights
Table of Contents
Step One Choosing the Story
(What is your budget, cast size, audience make-up? What stories will work for you?
Step Two Assembling the Pieces
(What size cast are you writing for? Can you eliminate or add characters?
Step Three Outlining the Plot
(Who is the main character? What does he want? How does he get it?)
Step Four Writing Dialog
(How to find the characters' voices. How to get narrative information into the dialog?)
Step Five Writing Stage Directions
(Sets, Props, Action. What does the director need to know? How much is too much?)
Step Six Correct Format
(Making sure your script is actor friendly)
Step Seven Readings and Rewrites
(You have to hear it spoken to find out how it will play)
Notes on Audience Participation
(How to involve a young audience without losing control of the show)
(What is your budget, cast size, audience make-up? What stories will work for you?
Step Two Assembling the Pieces
(What size cast are you writing for? Can you eliminate or add characters?
Step Three Outlining the Plot
(Who is the main character? What does he want? How does he get it?)
Step Four Writing Dialog
(How to find the characters' voices. How to get narrative information into the dialog?)
Step Five Writing Stage Directions
(Sets, Props, Action. What does the director need to know? How much is too much?)
Step Six Correct Format
(Making sure your script is actor friendly)
Step Seven Readings and Rewrites
(You have to hear it spoken to find out how it will play)
Notes on Audience Participation
(How to involve a young audience without losing control of the show)