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To illustrate, the example below shows how all the elements described above work together to make a play script.Ī Play in Any Other Format Would Be as Sweetīy using the format I’ve used in the example below, you’ll be able to submit your play for consideration to most North American publishers. Short stage directions may be written as part of a section of dialogue if so, these should be in parentheses, e.g. Stage directions generally appear one “tab” in from the left margin and should be in italics. In both cases, though, dialogue begins on the line directly below the character’s name starting at the left margin. In the UK, some publishers prefer a left justification for character names. If you’re submitting your script to an American publisher, like Samuel French, characters’ names should appear in central justification when writing dialogue. Both the “Center Text” and “Italics” keyboard shortcuts work to toggle the settings on or off, so switching back and forth is quick and easy. Most publishers prefer that stage directions be in italics so, just like the “Center Text” shortcut, press and hold the “Ctrl” or “Command” key, if you’re using a PC or a Mac, respectively, and then press the “I” key. If you’re using a PC, press and hold the “Ctrl” key while also pressing “E.” If you’re using a Mac, substitute the “Ctrl” key with the “Command” key. This shortcut center justifies your cursor or centers the whole paragraph your cursor is currently in. Since formatting a play-script requires working with both central and left justifications, memorizing the “Center Text” keyboard shortcut will save you time. To help make it easier for directors, actors, and other production staff to find characters’ lines, entrances, exits, and stage directions in a script, characters’ names are written in all caps except when they’re referred to in the dialogue of the play. 1, 2, 3, are preferred for scene designations.įor the most part, play-scripts consist of character names, stage directions, and dialogue. Note, however, that Arabic, rather than Roman, numerals, e.g. Or, if you’re submitting a one-act play, simply substitute “Act I” with “Scene 1,” similarly underlined and in all caps at the top of the page. Two lines below, write “Scene 1” underlined in all caps. I, II, III, at the top of this page in central justification. If your play has more than one act, you’ll need to include “Act I” underlined and in all caps with Roman numerals, e.g.
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The top, bottom, and right margins should all stay at 1” but change the left margin to 1.5”. After this page, the body of the script will start so the margins will have to be modified slightly. On this page, you may also choose to identify the primary setting of your play, how long your play runs, and the length and timing of the intermission. The Cast of Characters page comes next, which features a list of the characters in your play, along with short descriptions of each. Writing on the title page should be in a 12-point font of your choice, such as Times New Roman. You can include contact information, minus your name of course, in the lower right-hand corner of the page. Two lines below your title, switch back to normal capitalization and write the word “by,” then two lines below that write your name. Publishers generally prefer that title pages for play-scripts be relatively simple, so in central justification write the title of your play in all caps 3.5” below the top 1” margin. Once you’ve opened a blank document, start with your script’s title page. Although Word has several useful templates on offer, they’re more suited to presentations and résumés than scriptwriting.
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Like book publishers, publishers of plays don’t all agree on formatting specifics, but by following the guidelines below you’ll be able to submit a polished script that will show your prospective publisher that, if nothing else, you’re serious about the quality of your submission. Writing a good play is hard work but by learning a few tricks in Microsoft Word, playwrights can make the process of formatting scripts easier.