For NICOHWILLIAM WEEK # PART 2A&B

Format for a Stage Play

TYPEFACE: Courier

TITLE PAGE FORMAT:

• Center: Title & your name. • Left Margin (for Copyright notice): 1.5" - 2.0" • Right Margin: 1.0"

PRELIMINARY PAGES FORMAT: Character Page and Setting & Time Page

• Left Margin: 1.5" - 2.0" • Right Margin: 1.0"

Characters Page Example:

CHARACTERS

BOB Just returned from a tour of duty in Asia. Looks a lot older than his 28 years.

SHARON Mid-30s, and still looking for the perfect relationship.

TOM A loser at everything in life, especially love.

SAM Bob’s best friend. Didn’t go to war because of a leg injury as a child. Successful businessman.

CARLTON Fanatic about staying in shape. Spends three hours a day in the gym.

Setting & Time Example:

SETTING

A cruise ship headed for the Bahamas.

TIME

Late summer, hurricane season.

DIALOGUE PAGES FORMAT:

• Top Margin: 0.75" - 1.0" • Bottom Margin: 1.0" - 1.5" • Right Margin: 1.0" • Dialogue: Left Margin: 1.5" - 2.0"; Right Margin: 1.0"

CHARACTER NAMES & OPENING STAGE DIRECTIONS:

• Left Margin: About Center of page—4.25". The first letter of each Character Name is centered, with the Name then continuing out toward the right margin.

The Opening Stage Direction should briefly describe where the action is taking

place, who’s involved, and when.

Place Character Stage Directions directly under the Character NAME or between

the lines of dialogue of a single speech. Can include physical actions done by the

character at the time the line is being delivered; non-verbal behaviors including

gestures and body language as well as tone of voice.

• Left Margin: 3.5" • Right Margin: 1.0"

Sample Script:

ACT 1 SCENE 1

(The deck of a ship. Bob and Sharon are illuminated by the light of a full moon. Bob is wearing a Hawaiian shirt, Sharon is dressed in a business suit. There are no other passengers on deck. We hear the hum of the ship’s engines. A light breeze is blowing.)

BOB This is it. You’re saying you no longer want to see me because I wear Hawaiian shirts. We’re on a cruise for goodness sake. I thought you loved me?

SHARON (fumbling with her cell phone, looking distracted)

This has nothing to do with love. It’s all about style, Bob, which you have to admit, you’re a little short in that department.

BOB You invite me on this cruise, and now tell me I’m not good enough. What kind of person are you?

SHARON I’m sorry, I discovered you’re just not the one for me.

(she turns and walks away, leaving Bob staring out to sea)

© 2 0 0 5 Ric h a r d S t on e