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Playwrights create scripts. Like other literary artists, playwrights tell stories through the words and actions of characters. While the work of the playwright can stand on its own as literature, its potential is fully realized only when the skills of all the other theatre artists combine to transform the script into a production of a play.

A playwright’s tool kit needs to contain:

• a vivid imagination
• a gripping story to tell
• insight into what makes people tick
• a good ear for capturing the way people really speak
• working knowledge of the elements of dramatic structure
• an understanding of theatre’s non-verbal means of expression—sound, movement, setting, costume, lighting, music, pacing and stage picture.

While most playwrights, like most writers, work alone, sometimes they share the task of script creation with actors and directors in a process known as collective creation. Here everyone takes a hand in researching the story idea and developing the script. But because the skillful ordering and re-creation of events is central to the playwright’s art, the final task of shaping the raw material into a coherent and effective script will normally fall to the playwright.

Playwrights may also develop a new script with feedback and guidance from a dramaturg. A dramaturg is the theatre professional primarily responsible for managing the literary aspects of a play’s production. A dramaturg’s feedback on a new script may be given at any point in the process, from the first draft all the way through to first rehearsals, depending on the individual situation. A new script can often be strengthened by the kind of feedback the playwright receives through a workshop process. Usually organized by a dramaturg, this process often involves a reading and/or scene study of the script by professional actors and a director.

It has been pointed out more than once that those aspiring to become playwrights must be thick-skinned and resilient. There is a great deal of rejection in this career, and scripts are frequently turned down. The author must be able to deal with these rejections without taking them personally and getting depressed, and continue submitting until they receive an acceptance.

AACT website maintains a regularly updated list of play contests and other opportunities for playwrights.  

See also our NewPlayFest, which provides opportunities for playwrights to develop new works at one of AACT's member theatres, with the full support of AACT, including an AACT dramaturg.

Finally, it's a good idea to be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the other key players in mounting a production, described here in Theatre People.  In particular, familiarize yourself with the Director page.

Other Online Resources:

>> Playwrights' Center, an organization focused on supporting playwrights and promoting new plays to production at theaters across the country.

>> Dramatists Guild. Provides information and guidance on the rights and work of playwrights.