Playwriting in Process: Thinking and Working Theatrically, 2nd Edition

by Michael Wright

Playwriting in Thinking and Working Theatrically is written to encourage new and experienced playwrights to build techniques for a greater range of creative expression in writing for the stage. The book uses exercises to guide playwrights towards thinking and working theatrically. The exercises help playwrights start or revise their work by providing alternate ways of thinking about their subject and their processes. New to the second new exercises, a general updating such as the use of the internet, a new chapter for teachers and playwriting group leaders on using this book in class, and end-of-chapter "Call Out" exercises. Useful for playwrights at all levels.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre, Writing

234 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 1997

About the author

Applied Professor of Creative Writing, Theatre and Film at The University of Tuls. He is a playwright as well as author of both long and short fiction.

Reviews

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent exercises all throughout the book. Useful for prose fiction writers as well, not just playwrights.

[E.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has studied playwriting and taught playwriting for many years, this workbook is by far the best playwriting text out there. I have read nearly every playwriting text in existence and come back to this text again and again. It is the only text I have used in my workshops. A close second might be Jean Claude Van Italie's "The Playwright's Workbook."

Playwriting in Process provides practical, hands-on exercises to work through problems and explore ideas, as well as etudes for discovering how structure, plot, character and scenery impact one's writing.

[Derek Kaellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most helpful book on playwriting I've read. Instead of telling the reader what works, the author lists several exercises to help writers find what works for them. It turns the frequently arduous task of creative writing into a flexible and educational series of games.

[Leen Tool · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide. Very practical, but it also makes you think and see the bigger picture. Great stuff. Perfect timing.