ABSTRACT
Theatrical Plays. This chapter discusses the evolution of the theatrical playscript and how the format has become standardized over the past two thousand years. The chapter opens with the benefits of a common format, notably ease of use, accurate running times, and professionalism displayed by the writer. Basic terminology covering three-act structure, protagonist, and antagonist are introduced. One-act, two-act, and five-act plays are also discussed. The chapter then explains the proper font and formatting of the script, the title page, and the dramatis personae page. The nuances of page numbering versus act and scene numbering are demonstrated. The chapter then steps through the elements of setting / at rise, characters, dialogue, parentheticals, stage directions, and blackout / curtain / end designations.
