Does anyone know of any service that can help develep a play?

Question

I have an idea for a play and have been writing but I'm limited in time and would like my idea's and writing to get into format...

It would be a good business for someone

Answer 1

First of all, I would avoid sending your play to a stranger like the first answerer. I've never known anyone working legitimately in the arts who can't correctly spell his field of supposed expertise -- "technicial" is not a word.

Now to the meat of the matter. If you actually hire a writer or some company to help you, you're going to pay thousands of dollars -- something you wouldn't want to do unless your idea has sold and you know you'll be making a sufficient amount of money to justify the expenditure.

Now for the good news. If it's only formatting help you need, there are several software programs you can buy. A friend of mine has "Final Draft" -- he's mostly pleased with it, but finds part of it troublesome. I can't recall the names of the other programs, but a little internet research should point you in the right direction. Just make sure you get one that's for theatrical works, as screenplays for films don't use the same formatting. Most of the programs are probably in the $150-$400 range.

But I have an alternate suggestion for you -- create macros for different set-ups. I learned play formatting years ago when I studied writing, so I now have several macros programmed on my computer. I just click one of the icons I created [or do key strokes, since some of the most-used ones are keyboard initiated], and I have proper indentation, italics in brackets, etc. It may sound primitive, but it works for me [though I surmise those software programs may come with writing tools]. Anyway, you would of course need to obtain some actual play manuscripts so as to study the actual formatting, but since you stated that your time is limited you might want to just pony up the cash for one of the programs.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hello.

I have been acting for over 6 years, and the past 3 years i have been doing Technicial side of things, this year i became the Head Technician for High School Musical ON STAGE.

And im understanding that you have written a play, my advice is you can always send me a copy and i can read and give you my feedback, and or go to your local theatre and say you have done this work, and they may have a director that may like to read and preform the play.

Or always try local schools, the drama department,

I know an amature theatre group always looking to preform new shows, and i also know a lot of professional directors.

Well if you need to talk more, please email me

Go to my page for more info.

I will be out the office from Tuesday - Thursday this week, so if i dont reply then you know why, but otherwise i reply back to every email everyday!

Answer 3

Look into getting Dramatica Pro, Version 4. It helps with character development, plot development, scripting lines, etc.

There are several disks to the program and related topics.

It was a gift when I got my BA in Theatre and I love using it.

You can get a trial use and decide if this is the program for you.

Answer 4

There are a lot of ghost writers and script doctors if you have the bucks to pay them.