In this lesson you will create your own script for either a stage play or a screenplay. And since these two forms differ in a few important ways, your first step will be to decide which type of script you will write. Think about the differences between the two forms of drama. Then click each label in the chart below to see a list of key features. 

Earlier lessons in this course demonstrate how scripts should look and also how they work to develop a plot and characters. Both stage plays and screenplays rely on dialogue to help the audience learn about the characters and to move the action along. Each form has its own set of possibilities and limitations, though.

[interactive question for bottom of the page]

Q: If you want to tell a story that is set in multiple outdoor settings, which form would be the best or easiest fit for your story?

A: Probably a screen play--especially if the scenes that occur in different settings will be fairly short. Remember that each time the setting of a stage play changes, the physical set (everything on stage) will need to be changed to reflect the new setting. If the scenes in your play are very short, it may take longer to change the set than it takes to act out each scene!

Stage Plays	always performed before a live audience take place on a stage, usually in an auditorium rely on set designers to show setting details
Screenplays	rarely performed before a live audience can easily include frequent scene changes often use actual locations to show setting details