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Plays are written to be performed. A script is a written version of the play.

Watch this clip to understand the basic structure of a play script.

Scripts

Scripts are written in scenes. Each scene has a title, a description of when and where it’s set, as well as the characters that appear

Dialogue (speech)

In most writing, speech punctuation is used to show when a character is speaking. In a script you just write the dialogue (what the character is saying) without any speech punctuation.

The character’s name goes on the left, followed by a colon (:). What the character is saying goes to the right of this.

For example:

Mick: I want to be a dancer.

Stage directions

A script doesn't just list the characters' lines, it also gives details of how an actor should say them and what they are doing in each scene. These are called stage directions and they will tell you how a character moves, or what they should be doing with an object.

Stage directions can be written in brackets before or within the dialogue. They can also be written below the dialogue.

For example:

Mick: (wiggling his hips) I want to be a dancer.

Now, watch this video for some top tips on performing a play script.

When you're performing in a play you can change the way you speak and move to make the character believable and more interesting to watch.

Plays can have lots of different genres, from dramas to comedies to tragedies, so the audience might laugh, cry or even stay silent because the action is so tense.

Watch this video about Robert Falcon Scott’s adventure to the South Pole.

Can you extend the story with a script? Think carefully about:

• what might happen next
• the key features of a play script
• stage directions to make the scene exciting

Top tip!

Stage directions can tell the characters what actions they must perform or how to say the dialogue (for example, shouting or whispering).

Imagine you are going on your own expedition and write your own script about getting to your destination. It could be a mountain, an ancient city or anywhere else that you can imagine.

Super challenge

Once you've written your script, have a go at performing it.

If you can practise with a friend or a member of your family, that would be great!

Watch this video about stop motion animation. Create (draw or make) the characters from the play script and then, using the script, turn it into a stop motion animation.

You can of course create your own script for your stop motion animation story – it’s up to you!