Before movies and TV shows were a mere glint in the entertainment industry’s eye, theater was the core of human expression. For centuries the ritualistic dramas of Ancient Greece to the contemporary Broadway and West End stages, humanity has always loved theater.
But like its movie and TV counterparts, theater begins with the script, crafted by a playwright.
If you’ve ever felt drawn to storytelling and the thrill of a live performance, playwriting may just be the creative calling you need. But then what? Well, in today’s blog, we’re stepping away from our screenwriting series and exploring what a playwright is, what they do, how they differ from screenwriters and how you can begin your journey to becoming one.
So, it’s time for curtain up!
Table of Contents
- What is a Playwright?
- What Does a Playwright Do?
- How Playwriting Differs from Screenwriting
- Tips for Aspiring Playwrights
- Examples of Famous Playwrights
- How to Get Your Play Produced
- Script Formatting for the Stage
- FAQ
- Conclusion
What is a Playwright?
A playwright is a writer who creates scripts specifically for theatrical performances.
The term ‘playwright’ comes from the Old English word ‘wright’ meaning builder or craftsman. Just as a shipwright builds ships, a playwright ‘builds’ plays.
Unlike authors who write novels and screenwriters who write for film and TV, playwrights focus on crafting stories intended for live performances. They write dialogue, define characters, plot the narrative, and envision how the story plays out on stage with blocking, lighting and sometimes music.
Playwrights will often collaborate closely with directors, actors, set designers, and producers to bring their scripts and characters to life. It’s their words that shape the experience for the audience.
What Does a Playwright Do?
Essentially, a playwright’s job is to write scripts for stage performances. And yes, their role is much more than just writing dialogue. They also need to:
Develop Characters
Characters don’t just write themselves, and playwrights need to breathe life into them with each character having a unique voice and interactions. Dialogue needs to be written with authenticity to engage a live audience.
Structure the Narrative
A well-structured play has a clear beginning, middle and end. Playwrights will organise the story into acts and scenes to ensure the pace is just right. They also build tension, leading to an emotional and satisfying payoff.
Write Stage Directions
Although part of the director and actors’ job is to interpret the script, playwrights do need to include stage directions to guide action and movement. They also describe the aesthetic of the staging, including tone and setting.
Collaborate During Rehearsals
During a play’s development, playwrights can attend rehearsals. They’ll revise lines and provide their own insights to help the cast and crew understand the story’s intentions.
Rewrite and Workshop
No first draft of anything is perfect (yes, this is completely normal!) Just like screenwriters and novelists, playwrights will often revise multiple times, especially after workshops, staged readings, or feedback sessions.
Submit to Festivals and Theaters
Playwrights are part writer, part entrepreneur. They will seek opportunities to have their work produced which means submitting to theater festivals, applying for residencies and entering competitions.
Thinking about writing a play? Celtx can help you build character-driven stories from concept to stage-ready script.
Start writing with Celtx
How Playwriting Differs from Screenwriting
Although both playwrights and screenwriters craft scripts, the mediums differ greatly in terms of storytelling technique, visual constraints, and audience engagement.
Let’s run through the differences:
| Feature | Playwriting | Screenwriting |
| Medium | Live theater | Film or TV |
| Dialogue | Carries most of the story | Shared with visuals |
| Structure | Flexible. Can be minimalist or abstract. | Rigid three-act structure which is often followed |
| Setting | Limited to stage capabilities | Can shift rapidly and globally |
| Performance | Live and ephemeral | Recorded and edited |
| Direction | More collaborative as scripts can evolve in rehearsal | Often finalized before filming starts |
Playwrights need to account for the intimacy of the stage and the power of real-time storytelling with the plot unfolding live before the audience’s eyes. It’s the audience’s presence that impacts every moment of a play.
On the other hand, screenwriters write for a medium where visuals and editing can do a lot of the heavy lifting. This of course doesn’t make a screenwriter’s job easier. They just focus on different elements.
Tips for Aspiring Playwrights
Like novel writing and screenwriting, it can be tricky for playwrights to break into the industry. However, they are all incredibly rewarding roles and there are many things you can do to get started. Here are our top tips:
1. Read and Watch Plays
Consume as many plays as possible, both classic and contemporary. Watch live performances or streaming theater productions to get a flavor of what it’s all about.
As you read and/or watch, we highly recommend you analyze how the playwrights build scenes, develop tension and use language.
2. Start Writing
There’s nothing worse than just staring at a blank page. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ idea. Instead get writing! Anything from short plays to monologues which are a great way to build your confidence.
If you’re just getting started, 10-minute plays are the sweet spot as they’re manageable and often accepted by festivals. Ideal both for developing your craft and promoting yourself as a playwright.
3. Learn the Craft
Speaking of craft, it’s important you have a solid grasp of playwriting. Try and find a course to take at your local community college or writing center. Even some online platforms offer excellent workshops.
If you’d prefer to dive into a book, The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri and The Playwright’s Guidebook by Stuart Spencer are great resources to start with.
4. Workshop Your Scripts
Gather a group of actors and hear your work aloud. An exercise like this is invaluable for understanding the pace, tone and clarity of your script.
Trust me, it’s the best experience to have your own words read out for real and helps identify what works (and what really doesn’t!)
5. Revise Ruthlessly
As we’ve said, no first draft is perfect, even for the most accomplished of writers. So, always be open to criticism and be willing to potentially cut or rewrite scenes. Remember, great writing is rewriting.
6. Network and Submit
Just like screenwriters, networking is a key part of being a playwright, especially if you want your work to be noticed. Join playwriting communities, attend conferences, and follow theatres that support emerging writers.
Don’t wait for permission to submit your work to festivals and other events either. Submit it as widely as you can!
Examples of Famous Playwrights
Plus, learning from the experts is one of the best ways to learn playwriting. Let’s take a look at some of the most influential and successful playwrights throughout history and today:
William Shakespeare
Arguably the most famous playwright of all time, Shakespeare’s works, from Hamlet and Macbeth to Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, are still widely performed and studied centuries later.
Anton Chekov
A pioneer of modern drama, Chekov was and is known for his emotionally resonant plays like The Cherry Orchard and The Seagull, which both focus on character psychology and realism.
Tennessee Williams
Known for A Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie, Williams explored themes of desire, mental health, and societal pressure. His plays are still widely performed today.
August Wilson
His Pittsburgh Cycle chronicles the African American experience across decades. Standout plays from his works include Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Lorrane Hansberry
Her groundbreaking play, A Raisin in the Sun broke barriers and remains a staple in American theater.
Sarah Ruhl
A contemporary playwright known for lyrical and imaginative plays like The Clean House and Eurydice.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Blending music and lyrics with historical narratives, Miranda redefined musical theater with the award-winning Hamilton and In the Heights.
From stage directions to character arcs, Celtx tools help keep your script clean, collaborative, and ready for rehearsal.
Explore Celtx for playwriting
How to Get Your Play Produced
So, you’ve written and rewritten your play… what now? Well, writing is just one part of the journey. Next, it’s time to get it in front of an audience, a feat that requires persistence and strategy.
Here are some avenues you can explore to get your work produced:
1. Submit to Festivals and Contests
There are so many opportunities for new voices out there. Look for 10-minute play festivals, young playwrights contests and new works development programs.
2. Connect with Local Theaters
Many community and regional theatres will accept submissions from local writers. By building relationships with artistic directors, you can also heighten your chances of having your work produced in the future.
3. Self-Produce
Just like movies, there’s not a lot stopping you from putting a show on yourself. Rent a venue, assemble a team, and away you go! Self-producing can be risky, but it does offer complete creative control and an invaluable experience.
4. Seek Development Opportunities
Organizations like the Playwrights’ Center and National New Play Network offer residencies, readings and mentorships perfect for emerging writers.
5. Use Online Platforms
Social media and other sites will become your new best friends. Explore sites such as New Play Exchange (NPX) which allow playwrights to share scripts and be discovered by producers and directors.
You can also promote your work on social media, share your writing process and build a community of theater lovers.
Script Formatting for the Stage
Just like a screenplay, you can’t get away from properly formatting your play scripts. In short, formatting is essential! A clean, industry-standard script makes your play easier to read and perform.
So, what are the core elements of a stage script?
The Essentials
- Title page, including your name and contact information
- Character list (or Dramatis Personae)
- Scene headings
- Stage directions
- Character names
- Dialogue
Ok, but how do you make sure your formatting is accurate and consistent? Well, there are so many tools out there that automate the formatting for you, so you can focus on the most important thing: writing.
Tools for Formatting
Celtx
You may not believe it, but you should! Not only do Celtx offer templates for screenplays, but we also can help format your stage play with our stageplay editor. Our cloud-based platform is perfect for on the go, and also allows you to collaborate with other writers, directors and producers.
Try Celtx out here.
Final Draft
While again, these guys are widely known for screenwriting, they also offer play templates.
Trelby
A budget-friendly alternative to Final Draft.
Google Docs
While this doesn’t offer automated formatting, Google Docs can be manually formatted using templates and styles. If you’re just starting out and drafting ideas, this would be a great tool, however when it comes to proper formatting, we recommend switching to a specialized software like Celtx.
For a deeper dive on how to write a play and the formatting requirements, our post How to Write a Play: A Beginner’s Guide to Playwriting is waiting for you.
FAQ
Do I need a degree in theater to become a playwright?
Not at all. While studying theater can help, many successful playwrights come from diverse educational backgrounds. What matters most is your writing and storytelling ability.
Can I make a living as a playwright?
It’s possible but it can be difficult. Many playwrights supplement their income through teaching, branching out into other storytelling mediums, or other creative work. Grants, fellowships and commissions can help too.
How long should a play be?
One-act plays are typically 10-40 minutes long while full-length plays tend to stretch between 70 and 120 minutes. The longer plays are usually structured in two or three acts to allow for an interval.
Should I copyright my script before submitting it?
Your work is automatically copyrighted once written, but you can formally register it with the US Copyright Office or use services like the Writers Guild of America for extra protection. The Dramatists Guild also has some great resources.
What genres work best on stage?
Drama, comedy, historical pieces, and experimental works all thrive in theater. Think about what kind of story you’re passionate about and how it might come alive on stage.
Conclusion
Becoming a playwright is both an artistic and personal journey. It’s about discovering your voice, understanding the nuances of stagecraft, and contributing your unique stories to a centuries-old tradition. Whether you dream of Broadway or want to explore community theatre, the most important step is simply to start writing.
Read plays. Watch theatre. Join workshops. Write fearlessly.
Because the world needs more stories, and perhaps, the next great playwright is you.
Ready to bring your play to life?
Whether you’re just getting started or revising your final draft, Celtx gives playwrights the tools to focus on story—not formatting.
🎭 Write your next stage play with Celtx
Up Next:
How to Write a Stage Play
Now that you know what a playwright does, let’s get into the how. This guide walks you through the process of writing a stage play—from structure and formatting to crafting unforgettable moments on stage.
