Selecting: Choosing an Idea

As you begin looking for an idea for your play, it is important o remember that a play is very much like a short story. And like a short story, very often the best ideas for a play are found in the everyday happenings and problems of real people: a narrow escape from trouble, a misunderstanding with a friend or parent, a need for something not easily gotten — you get the idea.

Consider, too, that most stories have a message (a theme, a point) in addition to a plot. What might the message or point of your story be? Like the idea for your play, the message should come from real life — things aren't always what they seem; harmless fun can sometimes backfire; strange things happen when certain people get together.

Premise of your story (idea):

Issue/Message:

Possible characters: