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Playwriting, devising and arts management

Developing an idea, characters with clear objectives and conflict, structure (scenes and acts), dialogue that reveals character and advances action, stage directions, and redrafting. Script layout: character names, dialogue and stage directions in italics or brackets.

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  1. PDFPlaywriting, devising and arts management – Theatre Arts notes (ZIMSEC A Level)47.4 KB

Playwriting

Developing an idea, characters with clear objectives and conflict, structure (scenes and acts), dialogue that reveals character and advances action, stage directions, and redrafting. Script layout: character names, dialogue and stage directions in italics or brackets.

Devising

Creating original theatre collaboratively from a stimulus (a poem, photograph, news story, proverb or song): research, improvisation, structuring, rehearsing and evaluating. Keeping a devising log.

Adaptation

Turning stories, folktales and novels into drama; using narration and physical theatre.

Arts management

  • Producing: budgeting (venue, costumes, set, marketing, fees), fundraising and sponsorship, ticket pricing.
  • Marketing: posters, social media, radio, word of mouth, audience development.
  • Legal and ethical issues: copyright and performance rights (permission and royalties for published plays), contracts, health and safety, and censorship (the Censorship and Entertainments Control Act and Board of Censors).
  • Festivals and touring.

Worked example: A production's costs are US$1 200. Tickets cost US$3. How many tickets must be sold to break even?

1 200 ÷ 3 = 400 tickets

Careers

Actor, director, playwright, designer, stage manager, drama teacher, arts administrator, community facilitator, film and television work.

Exam tip: In a devising log, record not only what you did but why – the reasoning behind choices earns marks.

Check yourself

  1. What is devising?
  2. Why do theatre companies need performance rights for published plays?
  3. A show costs US$900 and tickets are US$2.50. Find the break-even number of tickets.
Show answers
  1. Creating an original performance collaboratively, usually from a stimulus, without a pre-written script.
  2. Plays are protected by copyright; the playwright or agent must give permission and may charge royalties.
  3. 360 tickets
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