Role of Della/ Ten Minute Plays

AGENDA:

Read the following articles:

http://www.nycplaywrights.org/10min/

http://www.10-minute-plays.com/ten_minute_play_structure.html

http://www.10-minute-plays.com/how_to_write_a_10_minute_play.html

https://nickpalmerwriter.com/2012/04/18/how-to-write-a-ten-minute-play/

View video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIBXAswryKs

More Readings and Work on Monologues

AGENDA:

Read more Durang "'dentity crisis" and "The Role of Ella"

Work on monologues.

Monologues and scenes

AGENDA:

Continue working on monologues and scenes.

More about monologues

AGENDA:

Check out this website:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Monologue

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-Dramatic-Monologue

https://hobbylark.com/performing-arts/How-To-Create-A-Monologue-Easy-And-Simple


Continue to work on your character monologues and scenes.

The Monologue

Exercise: The Monologue

ONE: Dealing with the Past

It is a common practice with monologues that a character relates a past story in order to illuminate something that is currently happening the plot of the play.

The problem with these types of monologues is when a character says, "I remember." "I remember" creates an insular experience; it's something that only happened to the character and it's difficult for the audience to share in the event. The audience doesn't remember.

Another problem with past monologues is the use of the past tense. When something has happened in the past, it's over, it's done. Using the present tense is much more alive and active.

EXERCISE

1. Write a monologue where the first line is 'I remember when...' and uses the past tense. Have a character talk about a childhood memory that has significant impact on how they are today.
2. Re-write the monologue, taking out all mentions of 'remembering.' Just tell the story.
3. Re-write the monologue in the present tense.
4. Read aloud the first version and then the third. Discuss the differences.

TWO: Making the Story Count

If a character tells a story in a monologue - "I went to the grocery store and THIS JUST HAPPENED," there has to be something besides the base story going on for the audience. There has to be more. The story has to show something: a character flaw, a plot point we didn't know, a lie, a romance, and so on.

EXERCISE

1. Write a monologue where the character tells a story about going to a parade.
2. Re-write the monologue so that by telling the story, the audience sees the character is a liar.
3. Re-write the monologue so that by telling the story, the audience sees the character is heartbroken.
4. Re-write the monologue so that by telling the story, the audience sees the character is in love.

THREE: The Need to Speak

In every monologue a character must 'need to speak.' Otherwise, why is the monologue there? In every monologue you write, you must determine the need for the character to speak. What drives the character? Is there anything that stands in the way of the character's need to speak? The character doesn't necessarily have to succeed with what they need. Maybe they're too afraid, or they change their mind, or there's something stopping them. Obstacles are good! But start with the need and then see what happens.

EXERCISE

Choose one of the following needs. What kind of character would have that need? Give them a name, an age, and a physical appearance. Who are they talking to? Who is the listener? What is the relationship? Decide if your character will succeed or fail with their need. Now write the monologue.

1. The character needs to reveal a secret to the listener.
2. The character needs to prove something to the listener.
3. The character needs to reveal they love the listener.
4. The character needs to reveal they hate the listener.
5. The character needs to stand up to the listener.

Playwriting

Playwriting 101

AGENDA:

Go to:

http://www.playwriting101.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcNO03za3Ec

Read Ch. 1-6

Get Christopher Durang plays.

Playwriting Exercise

For the next 10 days, write one scene a day. The scene should be one page long. The scene should only have two characters who are in one room, in one location. Go down the list and for each day use the provided first line as the first line of your scene and write scene using proper format.

1. Well, aren’t you going to congratulate me?
2. What do you mean “I have to give the ring back?”
3. This is most definitely the result of a curse.
4. Dude, Lara Croft is not your girlfriend.
5. I can fix this, I am determined to fix this.
6. I have something important to tell you.
7. Why are you hiding in the bathroom?
8. Sir, you dropped your wallet.
9. I would do anything for a peanut butter dipped chocolate bar right now.
10. First day of school, first day of hell.

Portfolio/Midterm

For your midterm portfolio, please write a 3-4 page reflection essay on your work so far this year:

Self Reflection  Essay (Poetry/Fiction Units): 

Reflective piece: 3-4 pages, double-spaced:

Write about how you’ve grown as a writer this year, what has been easy/hard for you, what areas you feel you need more work in; reflect on your progress as a writer, a reader, and as a student. 

Write about some pieces you have chosen to include in your portfolio (per genre): why did you include these pieces in your portfolio? How does the piece show your growth and development as a writer in a particular genre? What did you learn about yourself concerning writing from this assignment or project?

Discuss the writing process you used to create the work, where you got your ideas, what you learned about the form or genre of the work as you wrote and revised it, what you learned about yourself as a writer, etc. 

Discuss special projects and reading that had an impact on you. 

Which books you read were of high interest and what did you learn about writing from reading them? 

What did you learn about writing and about yourself through these assignments and courses this year?

Discuss a GOAL you have as a writer for the rest of the year.