How to write a SETTING

Originally published in

January 30, 2018

@ jeanillec.blogspot.com 

Here's how to write a setting for a play:

1. Picture out the set in still photo.
2.  Use appropriate descriptive words to successfully paint your setting. Be reminded that the setting you are writing is the picture everyone sees before the director says "ACTION".
3. The setting do not have to be in complete sentences though a PERIOD is used to separate the components. However, make sure the setting still has a complete thought to give a lucid picture.
4. Make sure your setting has complete components:

• PLACE   -  WHERE the act takes place
• TIME    - WHEN the act takes place. Could be specific or not. You may use the following: early 90's, mid 90's, late 90's -  Early 90's may refer to 1990- 1993; Mid 90's may refer to 1994-1996; Late 90's may refer to 1997 to 1999. Time also refer to time of the day like the exact hours or say morning, afternoon, midday, midnight, dawn, dusk, twilight, night. Or it could also be a certain era like, the Medieval times, Renaissance, Victorian Age, etc.
• PROPS - Short for properties. These are the objects used in the set including those carried or held by the character.
• CHARACTER - The characters name must me written in all capital letters if it is the first time the character comes out in the entire play. The character in the setting must not be moving around. He/she should be steady and stay put until the director says "ACTION".
• AGE  - How old the character is. You indicate the exact age or you may use the following: early 50's, mid 50's, late 50's -  Early 50's may refer to 50 - 53 ; Mid 50's may refer to 54-56; Late 50's may refer to 57 to 59. O
• ACTION  - These are verbs usually ending in '-ing' with the auxiliary omitted. These actions are not those that create movements. These are examples: looking, staring, holding, sitting, standing, facing, listening, paying attention, etc. Remember we do not let the character move around until the director says "action'.
• PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION  - This gives us a vivid picture of the character in connection with those around him or her.