This year I had the pleasure of mentoring a few dozen writers in preparation for submission to Concord Theatricals Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival. I thought I would summarize some of the advice I gave to these aspiring writers. I’d also love to hear about any techniques that work for you; feel free to comment below.
I teach a Ten Minute play writing in the local theaters groups here in Inverness, Florida. The basis of the class is what I call the 2-6-2 Rule. The first two pages of the play (taking two minutes) sets up the characters and the dilemma. The next six pages (6 minutes) is the meat of the story, character interaction and how the dilemma is going to be solved. The final two pages is the conclusion when the problem has been solved, as my father used to say…All is Joy.
We keep the characters to no more than five, with minimum stage directions.
We have brought to the stage a selection of these plays for the last three years in a play festival and two sold out holiday shows.
It's so nice to see someone defend the 10 minute play. They are such beautiful spaces to practice story telling and to explore powerful narratives. I absolutely love writing them.
They're also a great medium for actors to experiment with new styles and approaches.
Oh this is so helpful, thank you!
Hi Audrey
I teach a Ten Minute play writing in the local theaters groups here in Inverness, Florida. The basis of the class is what I call the 2-6-2 Rule. The first two pages of the play (taking two minutes) sets up the characters and the dilemma. The next six pages (6 minutes) is the meat of the story, character interaction and how the dilemma is going to be solved. The final two pages is the conclusion when the problem has been solved, as my father used to say…All is Joy.
We keep the characters to no more than five, with minimum stage directions.
We have brought to the stage a selection of these plays for the last three years in a play festival and two sold out holiday shows.
2-6-2. This is a great strategy!
Very useful for writers of short films, as well! Can’t wait to share this with my students today. 😊
Oh, how lovely.
Wow, thank you so much for sharing these tips! I printed them out! You've inspired me to write a 10-minute play.
Please share it with me when you're in a good place with it!
Thanks for this!!!!
It's so nice to see someone defend the 10 minute play. They are such beautiful spaces to practice story telling and to explore powerful narratives. I absolutely love writing them.
They're also a great medium for actors to experiment with new styles and approaches.
Good morning, how would I apply for a ten minute play writing or one act play sessions that you are teaching?