The Art of Writing for the Theatre: An Introduction to Script Analysis, Criticism, and Playwriting

by Luke Yankee, Jim Volz (Editor)

Overview

Filled with practical advice from an award-winning playwright, with a range of resources to guide you in the craft and business of theatre writing, The Art of Writing for the Theatre provides everything you need to write like a seasoned theatre professional, including:

* how to analyze and break down a script
* how to write a wide range of plays
* how to critique a theatre production
* how to construct and craft critical essays, cover letters, and theatrical resumes

This thorough introduction is supplemented with exercises and new interviews with a host of internationally acclaimed playwrights, lyricists, and critics, including Marsha Norman, Beth Henley, Lyn Gardner, Octavio Solis, Ismail Khalidi, and David Zippel, among many others. Accompanying online resources include playwriting and script analysis worksheets and exercises, an example of a playwriting resume, and critical points to consider on playwriting, design, acting, directing and choreography.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350155596
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	07/14/2022
Series:	Introductions to Theatre
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	216
File size:	747 KB

About the Author

Luke Yankee is a professional playwright, director, author, producer, the Head of Playwriting at California State University, Fullerton, USA, and an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University, USA.

Luke Yankee is a professional playwright, director, author, producer, the Head of Playwriting at California State University, Fullerton, USA, and an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University, USA. His plays include The Last Lifeboat, A Place at Forest Lawn, The Man Who Killed the Cure, The Jesus Hickey, Confessions of a Star Maker and Marilyn, Mom&Me. His memoir, Just Outside the Spotlight: Growing up with Eileen Heckart was named, “One of the Ten Best Celebrity Memoirs of All Time.” As a director and producer, he has run two regional theatres, assistant directed six Broadway shows and directed Off Broadway and at regional theaters around the country.
Jim Volz is a Professor of theatre at California State University, Fullerton, USA. He has produced over 100 professional productions and published more than 100 articles and seven books. He was a longtime theatre critic/columnist for Back Stage magazine and was founding editor of the Shakespeare publication, quarto. He is a Ph.D. graduate from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and former Managing Director of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Table of Contents

Note on the Text

Introduction

1. Script Analysis
Why Do We Need Script Analysis?
Definitions and Terms for Script Analysis
Freytag's Pyramid and the Dramatic Arc
A Crash Course in Aristotle's Poetics
Script Analysis Exercises
Exercises

2. Playwriting
The Elements of Playwriting
What Does “Show, Don't Tell” Mean?
The Significance of Exposition
The Good Title Test
The Mechanics of Writing a Play
How Do You Start?
How To Write a Ten-Minute Play
Other Play Formats
Conclusion
Exercises

3. Criticism
The “Why” of Theatre Criticism
“I Liked it” Doesn't Matter
Writing a Critique for a Play
“Why Am I Bored?
A Sample Critique
Criticism as Entertainment
Remember: Artists Have Feelings, Too
When to Keep it to Yourself
What to Look for When Writing a Critique
Critiquing Other Forms
Exercises

4. The Interviews: Conversations with Acclaimed Playwrights, Critics, Librettists, and Lyricists
A Series of Master Classes
On Starting Out
“What Should I Write About?”
On Structure
A Writer's Process
Readings and Play Development
On Taking Advice on your Script
On Collaboration
On Writing Musicals
On the Writer as “The Outsider Looking In”
On Critics and Theatre Criticism
Advice for New Writers
What Do You Love About the Theatre?


5. The Brass Tacks: Practical Tools of Writing for the Theatre
The “How To” Of A Writer's Life
Read, See, and Hear
Theatre Blogs
Submission Opportunities for Playwrights
Cover Letters for Writers…and Beyond
Living Room Readings: The Value of Free Pizza
Virtual Presentations
A Map of Relationships
Opening Night Cards and Gratitude Letters: A Lost Art
Exercises

Conclusion

Further Reading
Notes
Biographies of Interviewees
Special Thanks
About the Author
Index

Editorial Reviews

Even after fifty years of creating musicals, I found The Art of Writing for the Theatre immensely helpful, especially as I undertake new projects. Luke Yankee's clear and concise analysis and advice, coupled with the insights of the writers he interviewed, seems to me invaluable and inspiring for anyone aspiring to write for the theatre, from beginner to long-time professional.” —Stephen Schwartz, Tony-winning composer and lyricist of Wicked, Pippin, & Godspell.

“One can't have a life in the theatre by taking shortcuts. One can't enter this world with no regard for what has come before you. The elements needed toward becoming a true person of the theater are beautifully illuminated and enumerated in Luke Yankee's book. He is a playwright and a director and his heart has been in the theater ever since he was a kid. Rightly so. Love and intelligence mix in this essential work.” —Joanna Gleason, Tony winner for Into the Woods; three-time Drama Desk Award winner

“I only wish when I was starting out that I had a book like this. It is filled with valuable and important information. Luke Yankee's insight and guidance is spot on! Anybody who is thinking about going into this profession should start by reading this book.” —Scott Ellis, nine-time Tony nominee as Best Director; Olivier Award winner as Best Director for She Loves Me

“This is a must-read for anyone in the arts, but particularly for young people with a hunger to immerse themselves in the nuts and bolts of the theatre, and the crucial importance of language. The accomplished director and playwright, Luke Yankee, leaves no stone unturned in this comprehensive work; he clearly has a great love and respect, not only for playwriting, but for all the essential elements that fill in the spaces.” —Victor Garber, four-time Tony nominee for Lend Me A Tenor, Deathrap, Little Me, & Damn Yankees; six-time Emmy nominee

“Luke Yankee offers insightful discussions on the development of character, dramatic structure, and script analysis-all amply supported by interviews with distinguished contemporary theatre artists. Calling on his extensive career as actor, director, and writer, Yankee's practical approach is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to hone their skills in writing for the theatre.” —Lucien Douglas, The University of Texas at Austin, USA

“Having worked almost exclusively with new plays and emerging playwrights for over 30 years, it was fascinating to read the insights and wisdom Luke Yankee has managed to unlock from the best playwrights, lyricists and critics in our field today. This is essential reading for the next generation of playwrights. I finally have an answer when younger writers ask me what book to read about playwriting: this one!” —Jon Lawrence Rivera, Artistic Director, Playwrights Arena, Los Angeles, USA

“This book has it all! It contains a concrete approach to understanding what's inside a scene, a terrific tutorial on putting thoughts onto paper, a look inside the nuances of criticism, and straightforward advice from professionals at the top of their game. If you are a theatre artist who plans to put words on a page, you need to read and study this book.” —Professor Brian Kite, UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, USA

“You'll have to go far and wide to find a better introduction to script analysis, playwriting, and criticism than this. Every theatre teacher should use this in their classroom. Practical and informative!” —Millicent Martin, BAFTA award winner and two-time Tony nominee

“From the reader's first encounter with the text and the writer's confrontation with the empty page, Luke Yankee's The Art of Writing for the Theatre offers clarifying definitions and helpful guidance for aspiring playwrights and theatre critics. Using excerpts from his own plays as subjects for analysis and enlightening interviews with working playwrights and critics, the book offers a wealth of information and inspiration for all who seek to better understand the inner workings of the writer's art.” —Evan Yionoulis, Richard Rodgers Dean and Director of the Drama Division, The Juilliard School, USA

“First, let me thank Luke Yankee for this extraordinary book. It's been a long while since I've read anything that so comprehensively addresses the subject as The Art of Writing for The Theatre. Not only is the book completely informative, it's also a good read. The exploration of examples of playwriting, criticism, and analysis are invaluable. The interviews with some of the theatre's most distinct voices is like going to the ultimate master class. The inclusion of people of diverse backgrounds makes it all the more applicable to everyone in a personal manner. I am an actor, director, writer, teacher, and devout audience member. This book will be by my side as a guideline in the future in each of those endeavors. Any student or teacher, or for that matter, anyone interested in the theatre in its most elemental form will benefit from this book. Get it and keep it on your shelf. I would be willing to bet that you will refer to it many times in the future.” —Ken Page, star of the original Broadway companies of Cats and Aint Misbehavin'

“This essential book sits squarely in the 'required reading' section for any university theatre course or for anyone who wants to understand the theatrical medium better. It begins with clear, inspiring lessons and tips that guide the writer from conception to fruition while including priceless wisdom from masters in our field. The text provides the reader with invaluable, user-friendly prompts that both allow the writer to be more understanding and critical of their own work, but also to view other's works with a clearer eye. I simply found this book a pleasure to read and was enlightened and inspired about my own creative process as well as viewing all dramatic works with new insights. A must read!” —John B. Benitz, Chair, Department of Theatre, Chapman University, USA

From the Publisher