Writing talk, tips, and tales from the author of "Playwriting for Dummies" and the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical play, "The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith."
Friday, June 22, 2012
Should I expand my one-act play to a full-length?
Almost every playwright I know (myself included) who has
written successful one-act plays has, at one time or another, been told by
well-meaning folks (including theatre professionals who should know better)
that the play ought to be expanded to a full-length. And, whenever that's attempted simply by
stretching what's already there, it results in transforming a tight and focused
one-act into a meandering and overwritten full-length. That being said, if you feel that there's
more story to be told (new events in the journey or new subplots that impact
the main plot or new characters that might add complexity to the story) then go
ahead and give it a try. But my rule of
thumb is this: if there had been a full-length play there in the first place,
that's probably what you would have written.
Don't be swayed by enthusiastic people who love your one-act so much
that they insist on more. Sometimes less
is more. And, to be further cliché about
it, remember the old showbiz adage:
"always leave ’em wanting more." In other words, rather than reworking an old
one-act, wow 'em with a new full-length.
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