Photo courtesy of Americasroof at en.wikipedia
In High School—many long years ago—I had
to make a decision. If a student’s grades were high enough, he or she could
take a special English class that either focused on theatre or writing. I offered
to drop math in return for both classes but for reasons I could never
understand my offer was refused. After a heated debate with myself I opted for theatre
and never regretted my decision. Years later when I was singing at Radio City
Music Hall I thought wouldn’t the Music Hall be a perfect setting for a play
and between shows I began to jot down bits of dialogue, incidents that took
place in the dressing room, anything that seemed possible in a small notebook
which led to ... which led to ... which led to ... well here I am.
During rehearsals for shows I realized methods used in theatre could be
applied when writing. When I write, I think of the protagonist as the star of
my story in conflict with the antagonist who has his own motivation and tries
to find his or her place in the spotlight. Most actors work on their motivation
for hours, some for weeks, many for the entire run of a play. There’s a hoary theatre
story about the actor who asks the director what his motivation is for making
an exit. The director replies, “Your paycheck.”
Actors improvise and often add a line or two or three; if the director disagrees
with the actor’s “improvement.” The lines are cut unless the actor is a star in
which case the stage manager tears out strands of her hair. My characters often
develop minds of their own. I begin with an idea of what the characters should
do, why they’re doing it, what stands in the characters way and what the story
and the theme is about. Then, sometimes without any warning, my characters
decide they want to go in another direction. My villain doesn’t want to be my villain
anymore, an unlikely heroine emerges, pages and chapters need to be revised or
cut. I may fight to keep my original idea but my characters are stubborn and after
a sleepless night I think—maybe they’re right and try it their way.
Some actors work from the inside out—motivation, background, and the
reason why he is crossing from stage left to stage right. Others change their
hair until they find the one that fits their character; they may rehearse with
a long skirt, grow a mustache, walk with a limp, develop a twitch, gain weight
or lose a few pounds—anything that will add to their portrayal. An idea, a
conversation overheard, someone an author can’t forget begins the process of
writing. We also use the senses as we work on the background, the characters,
and who, why, what, when and where.
First drafts are like readings where friends are corralled and the
author listens and takes notes—was that a laugh, a tear, a yawn or ... oh, my
God ... a cough?
A director works with the actors, author,
scenic and costume designer sometimes harmoniously ... sometimes not ... to get
the results he wants. The writer works with an editor who will give a gentle
push ... or maybe a not so gentle shove
to help the writer find the better book that lies within.
The Producer of a play or show wants a
hit, a chance at a Tony and someday his name on a Marquee. A Publisher doesn’t
mind his books listed on the N.Y. Times Best Seller List and a prestigious
award presented to one of his authors is always valued.
5 comments:
Elise, I guess all writing is connected by some kind of umbilical cord--the use of words, perhaps. They're so malleable, they can take many forms and, as you point out, drama is one exciting form. Though I was-- tada--voted second best actress in my high school graduating class (a factoid I employ in my current WIP),I've never written a play. But since I enjoy writing dialogue, I've frequently given the possibility some thought. Maybe you've awakened a sleeping muse--or beast! Anyway, an interesting post. Thank you.
Interesting view of writing. I think I would have dropped dead if I'd had to be center stage, but I view writing from my own framework—a background in counseling. It really helps when it comes to charting character growth and conflict.
I also tend to view the writing process as rolling out dough. It's a big lump of mixed ingredients that doesn't take its intended shape until I've worked it, rolled it out, rolled it out again, etc. ;)
Zowie! Soooo many ways to put writing into perspective. Writing IS the life and world around us.
Muse, Jean.
Anne Marie: I have to ask. Are you a fantastic baker?
Rita I definitely agree.
LOL, Elise. I would say...no. I'm not bad, but I don't do anything fancy. ;)
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