how to format a play

2 min read 22-01-2025

Writing a play is a creative endeavor, but getting it ready for production or submission requires understanding the specific formatting conventions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to format a play, covering everything from the title page to scene headings. Following these guidelines ensures your work is easily readable and professional, increasing its chances of being accepted by theaters or publishers.

I. The Title Page

The title page is the first impression, setting the tone for your entire play. Keep it clean and concise.

Title: Centered, in a large, easily readable font (usually 14-16 point). Use a compelling title that accurately reflects the play's theme.
Your Name: Centered below the title, in a slightly smaller font.
Contact Information: Your email address and/or phone number, centered below your name. Avoid including a full mailing address for privacy reasons.
Date (Optional): You can include the date of completion, centered below contact information, but it's not strictly necessary.

II. Scene Headings

Clear scene headings are crucial for readability and understanding the play's structure.

Location: Start each scene with a concise description of the setting. (e.g., "INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT," "EXT. PARK - DAY"). Use abbreviations like "INT." (interior) and "EXT." (exterior).
Time: Indicate the time of day (morning, afternoon, night, etc.) if relevant to the scene.
Consistency: Maintain consistency in your scene headings throughout the play.

III. Character Names

How you present character names significantly impacts readability.

Capitalization: Capitalize character names when they speak. This makes it easy to differentiate dialogue from stage directions.
Centering: Center character names in all caps, leaving a blank line above and below.
Parentheticals: Use parentheses sparingly for brief, essential acting instructions directly after the character name. Avoid overly descriptive or interpretive parentheticals.

IV. Dialogue

Dialogue is the heart of your play, and its formatting is essential for clarity.

Indentation: Indent each line of dialogue.
Spacing: Use a consistent amount of space between lines of dialogue and between dialogue and stage directions.
Paragraphing: New paragraphs indicate a shift in topic or speaker.

V. Stage Directions

Stage directions are crucial for setting the scene and guiding the actors.

Placement: Place stage directions in parentheses or brackets, usually after the character name or within the dialogue block.
Brevity: Keep them concise and focused on actions, not interpretations.
Italics (optional): Some writers use italics for stage directions to easily distinguish them from dialogue.

VI. Act and Scene Divisions

Structuring acts and scenes helps organize the play.

Act Breaks: Use clear act breaks, indicated with centered “ACT I,” “ACT II,” etc., in a larger font.
Scene Breaks: Use scene breaks by simply starting a new scene with the scene heading. Avoid lengthy scene breaks or transitions unless they are deliberately part of the dramatic structure.

VII. Formatting Software

While you can format a play using any word processor, dedicated playwriting software can be helpful. These programs often include built-in formatting features to streamline the process.

VIII. Example of Correct Formatting

(A simplified example)

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

JOHN (Smiling) Good morning!

MARY (Slightly annoyed) Morning.

JOHN Did you sleep well?

MARY (Sarcastically) Oh, wonderfully.

IX. Review and Polish

Before submitting your play, take time to thoroughly review your formatting for consistency and accuracy. A well-formatted play demonstrates professionalism and makes it easier for others to appreciate your work.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your play is presented in a professional and easily readable manner, ready for sharing with directors, producers, or readers. Remember that consistent formatting is key to making your script clear and engaging.