By Dianne Crane
10 minute play scripts have been increasingly recognized as a valuable theatre format since the late Nineteen-seventies. Many people think of them as the dramatic equivalent of short stories. Some would question if anything meaningful can truly be said in such a tight time-frame but the thousands of short scripts available on specialist websites demonstrates that it is indeed possible to transmit a strong message in a short time interval.
The concise format of 10 minute play scripts can offer benefits to writers, performers and audiences. Most adverts last for less for thirty seconds, a minute at most and within that time-frame a viewer can be so convinced of the advantages of the item being sold that he will choose to buy it. However odd it may initially seem to attempt to tell a complete tale in less than a quarter of an hour many authors have demonstrated that it is entirely possible.
The concise format of 10 minute play scripts can offer benefits to writers, performers and audiences. Most adverts last for less for thirty seconds, a minute at most and within that time-frame a viewer can be so convinced of the advantages of the item being sold that he will choose to buy it. However odd it may initially seem to attempt to tell a complete tale in less than a quarter of an hour many authors have demonstrated that it is entirely possible.
Many short pieces of work have been written that reflect current social problems or life issues. These are particularly suited to school drama lessons where classes in the arts are often used to raise student awareness of societal conditions. This concise form of theatre often appeals to younger people whose attention will be more engaged when there are rapid shifts of theme and topic.
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.
Short drama pieces tend to require simple sets and staging arrangements. Their power lies in telling a story in the most direct way possible and they are not dependant on elaborate effects or costumes. In these cash starved times keeping costs down is a powerful incentive for both amateur and professional theatre 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.
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.
Short drama pieces tend to require simple sets and staging arrangements. Their power lies in telling a story in the most direct way possible and they are not dependant on elaborate effects or costumes. In these cash starved times keeping costs down is a powerful incentive for both amateur and professional theatre 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.
Short drama pieces tend to require simple sets and staging arrangements. Their power lies in telling a story in the most direct way possible and they are not dependant on elaborate effects or costumes. In these cash starved times keeping costs down is a powerful incentive for both amateur and professional theatre 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.
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.