It may seem hard to believe that in the time it takes to read this article you could watch a complete play; many might question what can be achieved in such a short time. In fact since the late Nineteen-seventies this theatre form, best regarded as the dramatic equivalent of a short story, has been gaining in popularity. Today there are thousands of 10 minute play scripts which can be read online and purchased for production.
The average commercial runs to less than a minute and needs to convey an idea strongly enough to convince the viewer that they wish the buy the featured product. Looked at from this perspective the idea of telling entire tales within the frameworks of 10 minute play scripts is not as bizarre as it might first seem. This ultra-compact format has many advantages for anyone involved in the theatre arts.
In schools, drama is often used as a way of encouraging students to look at societal issues, many short plays reflect these topics so are a good choice for youth productions. Younger people usually appreciate the succinctness of these works which tend to hold their attention better that more long-winded theatre. For the teacher the advantages of something which can be read, discussed and performed in a single lesson are obvious.
Short plays will tend to have smaller casts than full length productions. This offers several advantages to recreational drama groups. Rehearsal planning becomes much easier when only those involved in a given piece need attend. The company as a whole can be producing several different works at the same time; this allows everyone the chance to take the lead role at some point.
In short productions the most important thing is a strong story line, communicated very directly and simply. These works do not tend to require complicated sets or expensive costumes. This means that costs are kept to a minimum which, given difficult economic circumstances is of great benefit to either professional or recreational drama groups.
Inexperienced writers often find the idea of producing a lengthy work intimidating; the ten minute format is far less daunting. Several competitions inviting submissions of new dramas have been initiated so this type of art encourages the development of new talent. More experienced authors recognize the challenge of developing a theme in a limited time frame-work and many of them have also written pieces in this genre.
Audiences have responded very favorably to short productions. Going to the theatre is sometimes seen as a high-brow activity and the more classical three act format can be perceived as somehow threatening. The informality of an evening featuring several short works is far more accessible to those who would avoid more conventional dramatic art.
Some companies who specialize in 10 minute play scripts feature advice for would-be authors on their websites. Many theatre groups run short courses or workshops where inexperienced people can take part in a production, which could range from farce to tragedy. These concise works are a modern approach to the performing arts which bring them into the world of individuals who would probably not otherwise experience them.
The average commercial runs to less than a minute and needs to convey an idea strongly enough to convince the viewer that they wish the buy the featured product. Looked at from this perspective the idea of telling entire tales within the frameworks of 10 minute play scripts is not as bizarre as it might first seem. This ultra-compact format has many advantages for anyone involved in the theatre arts.
In schools, drama is often used as a way of encouraging students to look at societal issues, many short plays reflect these topics so are a good choice for youth productions. Younger people usually appreciate the succinctness of these works which tend to hold their attention better that more long-winded theatre. For the teacher the advantages of something which can be read, discussed and performed in a single lesson are obvious.
Short plays will tend to have smaller casts than full length productions. This offers several advantages to recreational drama groups. Rehearsal planning becomes much easier when only those involved in a given piece need attend. The company as a whole can be producing several different works at the same time; this allows everyone the chance to take the lead role at some point.
In short productions the most important thing is a strong story line, communicated very directly and simply. These works do not tend to require complicated sets or expensive costumes. This means that costs are kept to a minimum which, given difficult economic circumstances is of great benefit to either professional or recreational drama groups.
Inexperienced writers often find the idea of producing a lengthy work intimidating; the ten minute format is far less daunting. Several competitions inviting submissions of new dramas have been initiated so this type of art encourages the development of new talent. More experienced authors recognize the challenge of developing a theme in a limited time frame-work and many of them have also written pieces in this genre.
Audiences have responded very favorably to short productions. Going to the theatre is sometimes seen as a high-brow activity and the more classical three act format can be perceived as somehow threatening. The informality of an evening featuring several short works is far more accessible to those who would avoid more conventional dramatic art.
Some companies who specialize in 10 minute play scripts feature advice for would-be authors on their websites. Many theatre groups run short courses or workshops where inexperienced people can take part in a production, which could range from farce to tragedy. These concise works are a modern approach to the performing arts which bring them into the world of individuals who would probably not otherwise experience them.
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