One-Act Play

 - usually between 10-40 pages long, and is often called "tenner" because of the short length 

- can be an excellent way learn the basics of construchon for new Playwrights to learn the basic of story and character construction 

-no set rules

develops the conflict

conflict - dimax (the turning point) - falling action re-solution (the conflict is resolved)

One Act Play should have: (Aristotle) -one location

-be set over a period of no more than one day

-one central plot

-usually will have four or fewer characters

Conflict

- the most important element to any play

-essential to give a scene and a play life

- one- act play scene and is so short most experts recommend you avoid extensive exposition

-avoid using a narrator

Rules of Thumb

One-Act plays should:

1. be set in a Single location

2. be set over a period of no more than one day

3. have one central plot

4. have four or fewer characters

5. have conflict that is resolved by the end

6. develop characters primarily through dialogue 

7. not rely on the use of a narrator (instead,dramatize everything)

8. be a complete, compact drama with a beginning middle and end

9. follow the standard format of a short story- opening Situation-rising action.