One Act Plays
You voted, and I am delivering! In Creative Writing for the remainder of the semester you will be working on writing a
One Act play with a partner.
Your Task: After our class brainstorming session, you can your partner should choose one of the scenarios we listed on
the board as a starting point. You will work together to develop the plot, the characters, the setting, and the script. As a
final presentation, you and your partner will share the piece with the class. You will not be graded on your acting ability;
however, I will ask that you attempt to become your character as you share your play with the class. I am excited
because I think this assignment is in tune with the “spirited” nature of our class. Let’s get started! 
1. You first must outline the basic plot.
a. What problem(s) are your characters facing?
b. What has happened before the scene that you need to be aware of?
c. How will each character react to the problem?
2. Next you need to develop the setting of the scene.
a. Where are your characters talking?
b. When does this scene take place?
c. What does the set look like (props, furniture, etc.) (only if needed)?
3. Next decide on characters. Each play will have two characters. Each of you will be responsible for developing one
character. You will need to fill out a character web and questionnaire for each character.
4. Once you’ve developed the plot and the characters, you will need to develop the dialogue of the play, which is your
script.
a. Look over your outline for your plot. Divide the outline in half. One person will write the 1st half of the scene
and the other person will write the 2nd half of the scene. You will put the two parts together later and work
out any breaks in flow.
b. Format the script using the model we read together in class.
i. Include a title for your one act play (center at the top of your script)
ii. Include a character list with a brief description of each character
iii. Include a basic prop list
iv. Include a brief description of the setting
v. Include a brief summary of the scene
vi. Include the scene:
1. CAPITALIZE each character’s name followed by a colon.
2. Type the character’s line next to his or her name. All lines should be lined up (tab over 1 or
2x after the name).
3. Type all stage directions (movements, gestures, actions, tone of voice, etc.) in BRACKETS
AND ITALICS.
5. After you’ve written the script, read through it with your partner, making revisions. Be sure that the characters’
personalities are consistent throughout the scene. Make sure that after you’ve joined your two parts together, the
scene makes sense and flows. THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!
6. Once you’ve revised your play, read through it together, each of you becoming one of the characters. Read through
it a few times to become comfortable with the script so you can read through it for the class without getting hung
up on the wording.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Tentative Schedule
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
29
Introduce Playwriting
Assignment (read
example, look at
format)
Brainstorm scenarios
Choose partners
Choose scenario
30
Journal
Outline basic plot
Turn in plot diagram
Write brief description
of setting
1
Work on character
webs and
questionnaires
DUE TOMORROW
2
Share character webs
with partner
Discuss who will write
which part of the
scene
3
DRAFTING
Your half of the scene
is due Monday, May
13th. Does not have to
be typed.
6
TESTING
NO CW
7
TESTING
No 1st pd CW
We will have 6th pd CW
8
TESTING
We will have 1st pd CW
We will have 6th pd CW
(8th grade only)
9
9th Grade TESTINGYou will report to the
gym instead of my
class. Bring something
to do!!
10
9th Grade TESTINGYou will report to the
gym instead of my
class. Bring something
to do!!
13
Revision with partner
Typing/Formatting
14
Typing/Formatting
16
Share!
17
Share!
20
Share!
Celebration of Writing
Day!
21
15
HONORS DAY
9th Grade TESTING- 6th
CW will report to gym
22
23
24
EXAMS
Category
Character: Accurately portrays
characters through dialogue
Content: Creative, yet accessible
(and plausible) plot line, characters,
and setting
Content: Logical flow of events
Content: Substantial length (enough
to understand events, characters,
and conflict)
Assignment: Included all parts of the
script as outlined on assignment
sheet
Format: Stage directions included
and are clear (bracketed and
italicized throughout script)
Format: Names capitalized (every
time!) with colon after
Format: Spacing is correct
Revision: Errors in mechanics do not
disrupt the flow of events
Sharing: Each partner puts forth
effort when it is your group’s turn to
share; each partner has shared the
load throughout the project!
Possible Points
Points Earned
10 points
10 points
8 points
5 points
10 points
8 points
3 points
3 points
5 points
8 points
Total: ____/70 points