Playwriting Ideas

ewalker125
Swing
joined:11/12/11
Playwriting Ideas
Posted: 4/3/13 at 10:49pm
So I'm really wanting write a new play and I'm stuck, I know there's a bunch of plays out there but can anyone suggest some topic ideas for some plays that maybe haven't been done before. I'm up for anything and everything!

Thanks!
iluvtheatertrash
Broadway Legend
joined:11/9/04
Playwriting Ideas
Posted: 4/4/13 at 08:17am
How about doing some exercises and coming up with your OWN idea?
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
TheGingerBreadMan
Broadway Star
joined:12/7/12
Playwriting Ideas
Posted: 4/4/13 at 04:05pm
^

Preach.
Some people can get a thrill, knitting sweaters and sitting still. That's okay for some people, who don't know they're alive!
B-Way4Life
Understudy
joined:7/11/04
Playwriting Ideas
Posted: 4/4/13 at 07:44pm
Hi,

I don't have any ideas for plays but I can recommend two books that may help/point you in the right direction. The first is called "Playwrights Teach Playwriting." The second is called "The Playwright's Workout." The latter, in particular, lays out exercises that can help a playwright with a monologue, scene or beginning the start of a new play. The exercises come from playwrights such as Christopher Durang, Marsha Norman, Lee Blessing, Jose Rivera and Romulus Linney, among many others (32 in total). As a playwright, I have used this book as a great resource to go to when I'm stuck or need to just write. It has helped spur some ideas that have been "hidden away" and needed a push to get from idea to the page. Below are links to finding them on Amazon. They can also be found at Barnes and Noble and, I believe, at most libraries. I hope this helps.

http://www.amazon.com/Playwrights-Playwriting-Career-Development-Series/dp/1575254239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365119262&sr=8-1&keywords=playwrights+teach+playwriting

http://www.amazon.com/Playwrights-Workout-Career-Development-Series/dp/1575256177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365119345&sr=8-1&keywords=the+playwright%27s+workout
theatergeek3
Stand-by
joined:2/9/13
Playwriting Ideas
Posted: 4/4/13 at 08:59pm
Write a play loosely based on a real life experience that had a very powerful effect on you.