What Is the Job of a Playwright?

The really simple answer to the job of a playwright is to write the best script he can.” That goes with out saying, because if it is not good, no one will buy it. The playwright has to consider many people when writing a play.

Actors

Here are some thoughts about character development. Characters need to have depth and not be boring. As a playwright you need to avoid stereotypes so that they are interesting individuals. Even minor characters need substance so the actors playing them have something to work with. Minor characters can have a major effect on a play even if they are not on stage much.

The playwright needs to let the actors act and develop the character. In other words, don’t go overboard with stage directions. Actors and directors need some direction to stage the play and develop the characters but not every little detail. You are laying the foundation for an actor to build upon. Let them do what they are paid to do.

Director

If you don’t get your ideas across to the director, then the ideas will not get to the audience. The director needs to know what the play is about and what every scene means. If there is not something happening in a scene which changes something or gives new information, then the scene needs to be rewritten. For every scene, the playwright needs to ask himself, “What is going on here and is it important?” Here again, the playwright can't micro-manage the director. He or she will do the job they are hired to do.

Audience

When writing a play, remember that you are taking the audience on a journey. Keep the final destination in mind throughout the play. Spend enough time on each event that the audience can absorb the emotions and information they need. However, do not spend too much time or they will get bored and the play will slow down. This is one of the most difficult tasks a playwright has; to keep that balance between enough time to get the point across, but not belabor that point. You don’t want to treat the audience like they are not very bright, but you want to give them time to assimilate things.

Production Team

If you write a fabulous play, then it will be easy for others, like composers, costume designers, etc. to do their job well. Once again, if you have done your job, then you will not need to tell them theirs.

More Information about the Job of a Playwright

After a playwright has written a great play, he may still have to rewrite sections of it. This is usually done at the request of the director or actors.

Salary can be either a one-time payment, royalties each time the play is performed, or both. Unions for playwrights are the Writers Guild of America and the Dramatists Guild of America.

There is no specific education or training requirements to be a playwright. A playwright does need a working knowledge of play production and the theatre.

A playwright works alone most of the time, crafting his story and adapting it to the stage. He does however, need to be flexible and be able to collaborate with members of the production team, directors, and actors. He also needs to be able to adapt if for different venues, like movies, television, or simply a different type of theatre.

If you are creative and an outstanding writer, the job of a playwright may be just the right job for you.