Would you like to try your hand as a playwright? Do you love a good comedy on the stage? Here are some helpful hints to getting started on the composition of your own comedy script!
Instructions
Write a Great Comedy Script
1. It is a great idea to purchase some software specifically made for formatting scripts! This will save you a lot of time and editing. One of the most popular and easy pieces of software to purchase/use is Final Draft. You can purchase this online at www.finaldraft.com and download it right onto your computer. This software allows you to simply "fill it in" with your text.
2. Draft a brief plot as well as character names and roles. This will give you a focal point as you try to flesh it out into the skeleton of your play. In a comedy, you must decide whether you wish it to be a tragic comedy (full of irony) or slap-stick comedy (silly fun)
3. From your drafted plot and list of characters and their descriptions, create an outline of the entire play. Make it as detailed as possible so that converting it into the actual script takes less effort than creating the script from scratch. If you come up with any key pieces of conversation or jokes that will really bring out the laughter in your audience, make sure to jot it down so that you do not forget. Typically as you mull these things over, inspiration strikes once, so make sure you don't waste it!
4. Read through your outline, checking for inconsistencies, dry spots, or perhaps parts that need more attention or rewrites.
5. Once you are happy with your outline, begin to create your script by working off of your outline. You should have paid enough attention to your outline that writing up the script is simply a matter of applying details and dialogue. Try saying some of the punch lines out loud before committing to them. It may sound much funnier in your head than it will when actually spoken. Make sure that if you laughing at someone or some thing's expense that you are "appropriately" inappropriate for the crowd in front of which it will be performed.
6. Read through your script once it is completed. Revise and edit it as you see fit. Make sure it flows. Consider having someone you trust read through it as well for another perspective.
7. A great way to see if your script actually works when spoken aloud, is to actually have some people act it out for you. Hearing your script will give you a whole different perspective and may allow you to fix trouble spots. Find someone you trust to watch it with you. If you're both laughing, then it's most likely a hit!
8. Once you're completely happy with your script, save it as a PDF! Now all you need is some actors and a stage . . . or perhaps a film crew!
