Drama 11
Short Script Major Assignment
Due:
ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Scripts must be at least 10 pages long, but no more
than 15 pages. Your title page and cast list page are
NOT to be included in your page count. Each script
should potentially run a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Scripts must have TWO main characters and between one and two minor
characters.
- Set requirements must be minimal and scripts must be able to be performed on the
stage in Keating Hall.
- Scripts must be TYPED, NUMBERED, and STAPLED TOGETHER on 8.5 x
11 sized papers.
- Please include the title of your script and your name on the cover page
- Scripts must follow proper script format as listed on the handout you received
earlier.
- ALL SCRIPTS MUST BE COMPLETELY ORIGINAL. No previously published
or produced work
Some Tips:
- Avoid writing little TV scripts with numerous short scenes or sequences: if it
seems more film like it will likely be tough to do in ten minutes on a theatre stage
with few resources
- Consider setting the script in one location. Focus on the conflict early in the
action, develop it, complicate it, and resolve it by the end (perhaps even
surprisingly)
- Give your characters goals, needs, and action lines. Push them into taking action
that will influence the outcome of the story. Remember, every character should
work to advance the story in some way.
- Rewrite your script. Many screenwriters have often said, “We don’t write plays,
we rewrite them.” Keep at it until you think that your play will move the audience
the way you want to move them.
- There is no restriction in terms of style. Your play can be a comedy, a satire, a
farce, or a hard-hitting emotional drama or tragedy. It is often said that great
writers write what they know, so write what you know, believe, excites you, or
what you are deeply interested in.
HAVE FUN AND BE CREATIVE!
*Play script evaluation on the following page
Criteria Superior (4 pts) Excellent (3pts) Good (2 pts) Fair (1 pt)
Format Script is typed and in proper manuscript Script is mostly Script is typed Script is hard to
format. Includes: formatted but has several read because of
- character descriptions correctly. Missing formatting errors so many
- title page character or setting and missing formatting
- 10-15 pages of script descriptions. character and errors.
setting
descriptions.
Characters Main characters are very well developed, Main characters Development of Very little
supporting characters add to the situation, all are reasonably well main and development of
characters are consistent developed, supporting characters
supporting characters needs
characters are work
satisfactory, some
inconsistencies
Conflict Conflicts are clearly introduced and well- Conflicts are Conflicts are Conflicts are
Development - developed throughout reasonably well somewhat unclear, no real
Resolution introduced and unclear and/or scene
Characters are developed with clear somewhat well- underdeveloped development
motivations, many reasons for audience to developed
want to watch the scene Very little Character
Some motivation motivation motivations not
Conflicts are exceptionally well-resolved, for characters, presented, low considered, very
loose ends are tied up reasonable audience interest little reason for
audience interest audience
Resolution interest
Reasonably clear unclear, many
resolution to loose ends No clear
conflicts, some attempt at
loose ends resolution
Dialogue Dialogue reveals character and action, is Dialogue reveals Dialogue is too Dialogue does
consistent for the characters, and fits style of character and direct in not help
the play. action, is mostly revealing communicate
consistent for the information or character,
characters, but too elusive to relationship or
does not fit style of understand. Not events.
the play. consistent for
characters.
Ease of Transition from script to stage is very Transition from Transition from Staging of this
Staging straight-forward. Any props required script to stage script to stage script would be
are/should be readily available to the seems relatively seems very very difficult
students straight-forward, challenging considering the
although some overall – not performance
aspects may be easily staged space. Seems
fairly challenging within the more geared
to overcome performance towards
space representation
on film
Score _______ /20 + Prewriting Done /5 = /25
Comments: