Writing a stage play, much like gliding, is about overcoming your fear of “heights”. It is about trusting another to remain in control. In stage writing, as you prepare for liftoff consider the following:

Say the Words:

Your words are what are going to make the audience come along for the ride. It is your words said out loud by another (the actor) that are going to give the audience the confidence and the emotional stamina to keep watching the play. Choose your words carefully and always check back with your audience to make sure that what they are experiencing coincides with the intended mood of the play. Your task is to present your characters through a tension building setting where the audience is presented with the opportunity to prepare for their “flight” mentally, emotionally and physically and they are no longer afraid of liftoff but crave to see the conflict resolved.  As the tension between the characters builds (we can call it height/speed on the runway) the situation escalates and the audiences are flying high. They are scared, angry and full of anticipation.  As in gliding where the pilot has to eventually take the plane down, so does a playwright. At this point aim towards resolving the conflict and take the audience down.  Let them experience the emotional gravity before yet another takeoff.

The Freedom of Sight:

Develop a dialogue between characters that paints a clear visual picture of what is going on, on stage. Having a strong idea for a plot will help you carry through with the story. Imagery and imagination are vital in conveying a scene. As the audiences look down upon the earth from their engineless plane, they should be able to see the trees, waters, marshlands and roads down below. Get into your characters head, mind, body and soul. Who are they? Where do they come from? What are they thinking/feeling? Ask what situation would best convey who they are. The actors in this case will help put the fuss in your muss. It is up to you to create the mood for “flight” and keep the riders (audiences) asking for more. As you’re “flying” over the landscape, is it winter, is it snowing and how does your character/s feel about it?

Make constant mental notes, like what is the time period in which your play takes place? Are your characters poor, rich or middle class? What do they need, want or desire? Design your scenes around the message; they can be vignettes that bring your characters to life. Keep the scenes consistent and appeal to your audiences’ sense of drama and curiosity.

Play Right Playwright:

Read, Read, Read! Familiarizing yourself with other works will give you the insight you’ll need to start creating your own vision for a play. This will also allow you to experiment with format and style. You can begin learning about theatre conventions such as dialogue, setting and character development. While you’re at it feel free to check out some theatre spaces and decide which ones best speak to the kind of play you envision; e.g. lighting, space mood, dramatic potential. Remember that it is virtually impossible to stage a great play without getting to know your stage first. Once you have the hang of the basics, head down to your local community theatre. Think of it as your “playground”. Volunteer to sit at a ticket booth, greet guests as they arrive, serve pop at intermission. Taking initiative will demonstrate your commitment and show others that you’re in it for the long hull. You never know, if you play it right, you may just master the science of playwright!

• You’re so ordinary
• You’re not good enough
• The real world is for winners
• You don’t know squat about writing
• Creativity is not your strength
• You blend in like the rest of them
• You will never be a writer so just give up
• Your writing is so blend
• Bugger off already

So, I’d go scrub the grime off the stove or wipe the dust off the kitchen counter. I’d burry my head in the sand and begin my ritual of self annihilation. Then, I thought to myself, if you’re stuck at home with a mouthy husband all you have to do is stop serving him dinner. I’m ready to write my inner critic off the page! I’m convinced that by consciously challenging and opposing that nagging voice inside, you too, can watch Mr. Critic shrivel and die.  Let us call the technique writing against the critic.

As you pour yourself that morning cup of pick-me-up juice, think about your personal creative triggers. In other words what positive action can I take today that is entirely in opposition to the thought blocking critic in me. It is important to focus on the kinds of motivational prompts that are specific to your own values and personality type.

1. Write it down!

Even if you have to write about doodling on a napkin or chewing your nails in class do it! Writing a story about the 10 ways to squash a fly is still a story. If sitting at your computer in your underwear makes you cringe at the thought of dirty laundry then let that be your cue. Keep in mind that some of the most famous writers were those who dared themselves to write about nothing. This is much like running a marathon; you may get sluggish and sloppy at the start of the race but as you begin to see that finish line, watch that second breathe come to the rescue. The more patient you are with your words the more sense they will make. Remember, words have a way of giving back. Now, I’m not saying this is easy but mouthy Mr. Inner-critic is always lurking just around the corner waiting for you to surrender to “his” will.

2. Dig out that Notebook!

This one is tricky; quit starring at that computer screen! Oh and while you’re at it, get off the internet. The web is a big time waster and every time you’re tempted by it, the critic in you grins. Instead, dig out that notebook and scribble away. Doing so will authenticate the process and allow you to engage with the parts of your brain you had “forgotten in the old attic”. Using a notebook and pen will reawaken your senses and allow your creativity to flourish.  In a day or two get back to your scribbles and look at them with a fresher eye; you may be surprised at what you discover.

3. Change it up!

When you’re alone with the inner-critic get out that door! Take a walk on “the wild side”; go to your Local Park or library, grab a latte at a neighborhood coffee shop. This will help keep your writing bug alive and well and your level of productivity will shoot through the roof.

4. Random Acts of Writing!

Pick a random activity like going through old photographs or reading a passage of a book. You may even have a scrapbook or a clippings box with old headlines, phrases or quotes that appeal to your sense of curiosity. Once you’ve found these treasures spread them out on the floor or a table and start putting the puzzle together. It’s a mix and match game that is sure to keep your mind going.

5. Humor Yourself!

Laughter is a great motivator! When we laugh we’re giving ourselves permission to have fun; to be less than perfect. So invite yourself to giggle at the way you avoided writing that first chapter or how your very first short story was anything but a masterpiece. Realize that it’s ok for a writer to screw it up; not only is it ok but it is vital to your future success. By noting that writing like a “loser” is just as fun as writing like a pro you will forever silence the inner-critic.