Script Writing

The dramatic arts may not appeal to all creative writers, but both poets and fiction folk can enhance their crafts by learning and practicing these forms of storytelling.

• Stage plays rely on the intense power of multi-layered dialogue to be spoken by actors before a live audience.
• Screenplays evolved from live theater but have the focus of cinematic visuals in a format created in the early 20th century so that each page of the script equals one minute of screen time.
• Radio scripts also originated in the early 20th century for radio audiences who relied totally on what they heard to imagine character, scene, and story. Of course, Sound Effects and Voice Actors require vivid writing to deliver the auditory illusions.
• Scripted podcasts are quite similar to radio scripts, often with a wider range of Foley (Sound Effects) options and background music.
   

The dramatists of the Nebraska Writers Workshop explore expert educational materials about various aspects of characterization, dialogue and narrative techniques, staging, and changing industry demands to grow their craft then bring their works to the table for “cold reads” by other members.

“Bits of Scripts“

From 2015 to 2019, our script writers showcased their scripts in live, public performances called “Bits of Scripts.” They spent months preparing and refining the first 10 pages of their scripts, then assembled volunteer voice talent to bring those pages to life.

Although we had to stop in 2020 due to Covid, we hope to bring this event back if we have enough interested participants.

All photos on this page courtesy of Marc Longbrake Photography