Name: _______________________________________________

American Lit Unit 8 . . .

Play Writing
A Study in Storytelling for the Stage

Unit 8 Performance Task

Script for Original Scene
Task:
You will write a short scene that includes multiple characters with distinct motivations, stage directions to help set the tone,
set description, and suspense.

The characters, setting, and storyline should be original. You may choose the genre and setting for your play. You can imagine
this scene as part of a longer story: perhaps it is the opening scene, a reversal that occurs partway through, or even the
dramatic finish!

Other Specific Guidelines:

● Use standard script formatting as reviewed in class and featured in the template.

● Length
○ Standard English: 300+ words
○ Honors English: 500+ words

Your work will be evaluated based on:

● Meets specific guidelines for length and formatting (use script format)
● Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
● Includes set description to show what the stage should look like
● Has strong dialogue that reveals characters’ motivations
● Suspense is created by developing unanswered questions/problems
● Stage directions are included to help shape the tone of the scene
● Scene as a whole is cohesive and easy to follow

timeline:
● Rough draft due Fri 4/21 (P4) & Mon 4/24 (P2 & P9)
● Final draft due Tues 4/25 (P4) & Wed 4/26 (P2 & P9)
Brainstorming . . . Use the prompts below to help you develop ideas for your scene.
Genre: What type of story do you want to tell?

Realistic Romance Adventure/Survival

Science fiction Action Dystopia
Historical fiction Fantasy Other: __________________

Setting: Where and when does this story take place?

Year: _____________________ Location: _________________________________________________________

Characters: Who are the people in this story? (You need at least two.)

Character 1 Character 2 Character 3 (Optional)

Name

Age

Personality traits

Interests/hobbies/
career

What beliefs,
desires, or goals
motivate this
character?

Set description: What’s your vision for the stage in this scene?

When the audience looks at the stage, they will see ___________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suspense: What unanswered question or unsolved problem will drive your story?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________