Preparing for Production

Now that you have your ideas organized, have your vision, know your stage directions and lighting ques, and have your script written and ready to go, you can be on your way! Right? Not quite yet, theres one more thing to do --- Prepare your script.


A director/prducer/theatre company is not going to take you seriously if you just come waltzing in there with a pile of papers under your arm and a big smile. You need to show them your serious, you need to show them your intellectual and brilliant, but still professional. If your not all of those things, then they're going to ask "Well why would your play be appealing to anyone?" Like they always say, first impressions are evrything. So, your script has to not only be impressive, but it has to look impressive, as well as yourself.

Scripts should always include the Summary and Character list aswel - preferably on one page. This is the very first thing that they weill read, before they even consider reviewing the script itself. Think of them as you'r scripts resumee. You should include a opening letter as the very first page, the summary next, and the charachter list thirdly, if it will not fit on the same page as the summary. These should be included together as a preface to your script. Scripts should include a cover page, with your name and contact infor (just like on a resumee) along with the Title and it's length. Next should be a title page, with simply the itle and possibly you as the author. After this should be included a Table of contents, just like a book. After this you can choose to either include a second title page (this time only the title, no author) a deidcation page, or go straight into the prologue. It seems repetative, but it is just considered a proper ettiquet to include a second title page before actually starting the story, though it is not required. Then should be included your prologue, along with the play, seperated into Acts. Some people choose to include a seperate title page for each Act, this is not required, but does give it a more professional feel. Then there should be your closing or epilogue, if you choose to include one. And ALWAYS include one extra, completely blank page at the end of your script. No one really knows what this is suppose to represent, but it hase become known as a rule. It comes across as a clean, professional ending to your script, and it also leaves whomever your presenting it to room to take notes and write comment if they choose to.
Your script should be bound simply with either the brass fasteners, or the loose-leaf ringlets (NOT Spiral wire, and NOT in a notebook -- loose leaf ringlets are the silver rings found in notebooks, only without the binding. They look similar to key-chain rings, and can be found at any office store) The letter and summary should be included with your scrupt, but not necessarily bound with it. It is best to include it in a plain, neutral coloured folder, or in the plastic sleve presentation bindings (a clear plastic pocket-less folder with a plastic clamp that slides over the margin and holds the work together)

With your presentation put together in a neat and professional fashion, you should be ready to put your work out there with an impressive and professional appearance and attitude. I hope this has been helpful to everyone outthere, and I wish you all good luck!
-Mordi

If there are any further questions or comment, or have suggestions or requests for this tutorial, feel free to leave a comment or message [Mordigen].



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