10 minute play scripts are to the performance arts as the well established short story genre is to literature. Some individuals might express doubts that it is possible to produce a valid piece of theatre in a very story time span but this format has become increasingly popular over the last forty years. Websites specializing in these works have thousands of different pieces which can be browsed online and bought for performance.
The average commercial runs to less than a minute and needs to convey an idea strongly enough to convince the viewer that they wish the buy the featured product. Looked at from this perspective the idea of telling entire tales within the frameworks of 10 minute play scripts is not as bizarre as it might first seem. This ultra-compact format has many advantages for anyone involved in the theatre arts.
In schools, drama is often used as a way of encouraging students to look at societal issues, many short plays reflect these topics so are a good choice for youth productions. Younger people usually appreciate the succinctness of these works which tend to hold their attention better that more long-winded theatre. For the teacher the advantages of something which can be read, discussed and performed in a single lesson are obvious.
For amateur drama groups where the individuals involved have many other obligations one powerful advantage of these plays is that they usually have small casts. This allows different members of a company to be involved in different pieces and can make rehearsal planning much easier. Working on several scripts at the same time also allows leading roles to alternate between the members of the group.
Short drama pieces tend to require simple sets and staging arrangements. Their power lies in telling a story in the most direct way possible and they are not dependant on elaborate effects or costumes. In these cash starved times keeping costs down is a powerful incentive for both amateur and professional theatre groups.
Experienced authors know that it can be more difficult to write concisely than at length, many have experimented with the ten minute format where every action and line of speech has to drive the story forward. Conversely, this sort of work appeals to novice writers who might find the idea of producing a full length piece overwhelming. The form encourages the development of writing skills, indeed there have been several competitions where new writers can submit their work.
Audiences have responded very favorably to short productions. Going to the theatre is sometimes seen as a high-brow activity and the more classical three act format can be perceived as somehow threatening. The informality of an evening featuring several short works is far more accessible to those who would avoid more conventional dramatic art.
Some companies who specialize in 10 minute play scripts feature advice for would-be authors on their websites. Many theatre groups run short courses or workshops where inexperienced people can take part in a production, which could range from farce to tragedy. These concise works are a modern approach to the performing arts which bring them into the world of individuals who would probably not otherwise experience them.
The average commercial runs to less than a minute and needs to convey an idea strongly enough to convince the viewer that they wish the buy the featured product. Looked at from this perspective the idea of telling entire tales within the frameworks of 10 minute play scripts is not as bizarre as it might first seem. This ultra-compact format has many advantages for anyone involved in the theatre arts.
In schools, drama is often used as a way of encouraging students to look at societal issues, many short plays reflect these topics so are a good choice for youth productions. Younger people usually appreciate the succinctness of these works which tend to hold their attention better that more long-winded theatre. For the teacher the advantages of something which can be read, discussed and performed in a single lesson are obvious.
For amateur drama groups where the individuals involved have many other obligations one powerful advantage of these plays is that they usually have small casts. This allows different members of a company to be involved in different pieces and can make rehearsal planning much easier. Working on several scripts at the same time also allows leading roles to alternate between the members of the group.
Short drama pieces tend to require simple sets and staging arrangements. Their power lies in telling a story in the most direct way possible and they are not dependant on elaborate effects or costumes. In these cash starved times keeping costs down is a powerful incentive for both amateur and professional theatre groups.
Experienced authors know that it can be more difficult to write concisely than at length, many have experimented with the ten minute format where every action and line of speech has to drive the story forward. Conversely, this sort of work appeals to novice writers who might find the idea of producing a full length piece overwhelming. The form encourages the development of writing skills, indeed there have been several competitions where new writers can submit their work.
Audiences have responded very favorably to short productions. Going to the theatre is sometimes seen as a high-brow activity and the more classical three act format can be perceived as somehow threatening. The informality of an evening featuring several short works is far more accessible to those who would avoid more conventional dramatic art.
Some companies who specialize in 10 minute play scripts feature advice for would-be authors on their websites. Many theatre groups run short courses or workshops where inexperienced people can take part in a production, which could range from farce to tragedy. These concise works are a modern approach to the performing arts which bring them into the world of individuals who would probably not otherwise experience them.
About the Author:
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