Playwriting: From Formula to Form

This work, written by two playwriting professors from Wyoming University, covers all the basics that any beginning, medium level or veteran playwright would ever need. In fact, the book is outlined much in the manner of a top rate survey course, possessing the vital ingredient of bold head outlines and charts. It would be easy for playwrights to develop their own checklists, flow charts, or a series of note cards covering the essentials of the craft from the lifting of the first curtain to the drawing of the final curtain. Also, when the playwrights make a point about motive, plot development, or dramatic conflict, they follow up their assertions with examples from established works extending back as far as Greek drama. For those who write both plays and screenplays, this work is highly valuable in that the authors point out the basic differences of the two pursuits, and how some writers become trapped by confusing one with the other. The authors point out the difference between the visual medium of film with the reliance on a camera and cinematic effects alongside the on the scene visuality and focus on the well stated word that chracterizes the immediacy of a theatrical experience.Downs and Wright devote extensive detail to the importance of plotting and characterization, providing road maps to keep the industrious writer on track. In addition, they provide play samples. This serves two excellent purposes: 1) reading how a well crafted play develops on the printed page; 2) demonstrating the proper editorial technique for writing a play so that improper form can be avoided, and the damaging recognition of technical presentation flaws by skilled theatrical readers.

This book sets out in specific terms the formula for a sucessful play with reasons and pitfalls of both ignoring and following the formula. It is ideally suited to classroom use and has an inclusive glossary. The examples plays used will spark discussion although I found them the least helpful portion of the book. It is clear and concise and as useful as any book can be in this area. The roles of protagonist, antagonist and inciting incident are explored not only in contemporary but historical terms and the lessons contained would benefit any writer of any type not just the beginning playwright. It is a book I will pick up over and over again while writing as a guide not only in the idea stage but final polishing. I highly recommend it as it is very readable and practical. It was used with great results in a playwrighting seminar I attended.