Your play should have:
1. At least 2 characters. Limit your cast to 5 or 6 at the most. This is a short play. Each character should have a purpose and reason to be on stage. Give your characters motivation.
2. Your play should have a title. Title your play the feeling, emotion, or concept you chose for your theme.
3. Include a cast list with a short (1-2 sentence) description of each character.
4. Your play should open with a short description of the setting. Only include the most essential props or set design. It is custom to give your characters SOMETHING TO DO when you introduce them. Give a character some action at the beginning of the play.
5. Format your script properly. Use the links and format described on the previous post (or follow the format found in your Woody Allen books).
6. A 10-minute play is roughly 6-12 pages in length. The more monologues and speeches your characters give, the longer the play. Short dialogue runs a little quicker.
7. Keep your play in one setting. Keep the momentum of the play moving! No changing scenes!
8. Write dialogue the way people talk. Avoid overusing: "well," or "um", or "so", or "like." Allow the actor to throw these in if he/she needs to. Write in SHORT DECLARATIVE SENTENCES or FRAGMENTS.
9. If a character interrupts another, use an em-dash to indicate this. Pauses are traditionally inserted as "pause" or "beat" -- the time it takes a short exchange of dialogue between two characters. Ellipsis are used for trailing off...
Also: Coffeehouse tonight! Use SOME time in lab to prepare your piece if you are performing.
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