Playwriting - Part 6H - The Working Process, Dialogue as Action

When anybody starts writing, it is usually in a narrative format. We are introduced to this format from a young age because we are told stories. They often begin with, "Once upon a time" and end with "happily ever after." Even if they don't start or end that way, they are still usually in a narrative format.

Narrative formats are great. Stories and novels read extremely well in a narrative format. However, the narrative format doesn't work for plays. If plays were in a narrative format, nothing would be happening on stage or only action would be happening on stage with very little dialogue. Most likely, things would not be understood by the majority of the audience.

It is important to make sure that your dialogue can be used as action. What does the dialogue say that would make an actor want to move or a director think the actor should move? You don't need to be heavy on stage directions. Include the ones that are important, but let directors and actors make choices in your play. If you are too heavy on stage directions, the play becomes difficult to perform and also does not allow variations from one performance to another.

Specify what is extremely important in the play and what is extremely important to you. However, let your dialog speak to others. Let the others make decisions based on what you write. A good playwright will be able to use dialogue to convey action and not have to be overly concerned with stage directions.

Do you have places in your play that are heavy on stage directions? Is there a better way to make these things happen with dialogue or are they better as stage directions? You are the one that has to decide at first. Then let others see your play. They can help you as well.

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