How does script length relate to performance length in theater/drama?

Question

I know screenplays use the generalized 1 page = 1 minute. Does that hold for the stage?

And what is the typical length of a one-act play (both pages and minutes)?

Answer 1

The 1 page = 1 minute rule holds, but remember that published scripts typically have smaller pages than screenplays (something like 5x6"). If your script pages are normal 8x10 size, then obviously they hold more and they're going to take longer to perform.

Play length varies considerably, but generally a contemporary 2-act play will be around 2- 2.5 hours (not including an intermission). One-acts vary even more. You have your 10-minute shorts. Plays for students are often in the 20-40 minute range. A full-blown one-act is likely to run you around an hour. (Those are VERY rough estimates, though--it is possible to find plays of all lengths if you have a specific need.)

Answer 2

Yes, the 1 page to 1 minute does apply to the stage, as long as the manuscript is set up in the correct format:
Character name centered in Caps, followed by line (single space) with all the stage directions indented)
This is the acceptable way to submit a script. Once the script is published, the acting editions are set up differently, to conserve paper.
If you are writing a play, you should at the very least have a read-thru before sending it to anyone. This will give you a rough idea of timing as well.
WR Garrity
playwright/ lyricist

Answer 3

A longer script length would generally mean a longer length of scene, but it could vary greatly, especially if something is described, such as the setting, or if there is a lot of changing back and forth between people saying things instead of mostly one monologue because that would make the spaces in the script be bigger. All in all, it depends

Answer 4

Yes, one minute = one page is the standard conversion for stage as well. However, this obviously isn't going to be true across the board. One page of G. B. Shaw is clearly going to take more time to slog through that a page of David Mamet's staccato dialogue. But, if you just need a rough estimate, that one will work.