This assignment asks that I create a draft of a dramatic script. Because this is a draft for a major assessment, I know that I need to proceed thoughtfully. I will break down how I would approach this assignment step by step, then go into more detail.
Be sure that I understand the assignment
Brainstorm
Find and use models
Begin drafting, considering the form and the intention.
Step One
The first step I take is to make sure that I clearly understand the expectations of the assignment, so I check the prompt: "work with a group to write and perform an original dramatic script... about a conflict that faces society... to demonstrate how Arthur Miller spoke out about a contemporary issue while setting his drama in a time period with corresponding events."
To make sure that I understand the prompt, I break down the expectations.
Dramatic Script
Provides social commentary on an issue in modern society
Like Miller, changes the setting and subject to focus on an event that is very similar to the one being commented on. The audience should be able to infer what modern issue is being commented on, but it should not be explicitly stated.
Step Two
Now I need to brainstorm ideas that satisfy the prompt. I first think of ideas that I'm passionate about: Syrian refugees; the rise of charter, private, and home schools; the brinksmanship of modern politics; the US drone program; beauty pageants for children and teens; wage discrimination for women, minorities, and the poor; school uniforms; overcrowded parking at malls.
From these I choose a topic - let's say beauty pageants - and consider what analogous settings and subjects I can make my drama about. The changes you make to setting and subject will be instrumental in showing my position on the subject; it is important for me to remember that while not everyone (or maybe not anyone) will agree with my position, the purpose is to create discussion about a topic, not to speak definitively. Again, more brainstorming: dog shows, slave auctions, a King choosing an attractive bride from his subjects, buying consumer electronics.
At this point, I start to refine my message. For the purposes of this example, I may choose to try to make a point that the value of the subjects being discussed is not in their physical appearance alone. I need to keep this theme in mind throughout my creative process because if I ever get off track from my message in the interest of just making an entertaining script, I've not met the expectations of the assignment.
Step Three
I find models of scripts, preferably those from stage plays and not films, as film as an entirely different design language. I use The Crucible and any other texts I have on hand - Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House is on my shelf, so I may use that too. I look to see how the authors include exposition and dialogue, noting especially that characters have a tendency to say things that suggest or require movement by others - "stand up!" "come here sir," "do not come any closer." I may also consider props, visuals, or secondary characters necessary for the performance to come.
I will need to follow the examples of these scripts when crafting my own.
Step Four
I begin to create a draft, never forgetting my theme. It is also necessary to be sure that I am adhering to the expectations of the narrative genre I am in; there must be a gentle rise in conflict that builds to a climax, followed by a resolution, and I must ensure my characters and their motivations come across to my audience.
I hope that this has been helpful. If there is anything about this post that was useful (or not), please let me know in the comments below.
(Originally Published Feb 4th, 2016)