Notes on Scriptwriting

Haven't been able to upload the script pool yet, but I'll try to before too long. Tag/comment if anyone wants a particular script.

The latest lesson for Scriptwriters is here. :)

(will prob back-post it in case the link doesn't work)

rmb, next date is 26 Oct!

next meeting should be 21 Sept: 1-3.30pm, L3R1

as above :) Hopefully we'll end earlier since exam season's coming.

pray for Pete, who's been enlisted for a few days at this writing..

i owe everyone resources and the scriptwriting writeup from last time-- hope it'll be up before too long.

Notes on Scriptwriting

Firstly,

-it starts from a relationship with God thru Christ and the truth about God and the world we live in. Inevitably our convictions shape the stories we tell.

-so it’s important to abide in Christ and build our convictions on Biblical truth.

-this is why we are a fellowship, not a writers’ guild.

Outline:

What?—what kind of scripts can I write?

Why?—what am I trying to achieve?

Where?—what resources can I use?

How?—how exactly should I go about it?

When?—what are upcoming events?

What?

Many forms of theatre:

u the radio play e.g. “The Man Born To Be King”

u readers theatre

u chorus/recitation e.g. “Crowded Christmas”

u dialogue/cross-talk (like xiangsheng) e.g. “Christmas Jesus/Easter Jesus”

u dramatised reading e.g. any Bible reading

u skit/sketch e.g. “Telling It Like It Is”

u narrated/mimed illustration e.g. “The Window Washer Mime”, “Hands”, “Work Eat Sleep”

u play e.g. “Murder in the Cathedral”, “Jeremiah”

u musical e.g. “The Promise”, “Love Above All”

Why?

Two clear objectives:

1. to evangelise

a) illustrate the gospel in simple terms to e.g. children or on mission trips where language might be a barrier. e.g. The Door, Hands

b) challenge and provoke thought. Question worldviews and assumptions. E.g. films from the Parable Project, Work Eat Sleep

2. to edify

a) comfort—remind people about God’s love & kingdom & purposes

b) affirm—the truth about the Bible—statements and incidents

c) illustrate/teach/explain—drive home a point, as what happened in 2 Samuel 12. Or put parables and teachings in context to avoid misinterpretation/clear up the misconceptions people have.

POINTS TO NOTE

l Every story ought to link back to the cross of Christ; it should be central esp. if it’s evangelistic.

l In everything as with this work—it’s not our own wit or talent that does it, it’s God’s enabling. So we should depend on Him at every step.

l Do not assume listeners are Christian even if it’s held in church. Some children may not yet have put their faith in Christ; some non-Christians can be visiting or seeking to know more, and even Christians can get annoyed if we are insensitive in our portrayal of people or issues. Gentleness and respect.

l Make sure all assumptions and worldviews are based firmly on the Bible, not our cultural influence. For instance, is Christmas all about opening presents in a warm glow of light?

l If we are going to write about serious/major life events—like death, marriage, cancer and being orphaned— make sure it’s realistic and sensitive. There will be people in the audience who have experienced these things, and they will probably not be impressed by shallow, stereotypical portrayals. If one has to write of such things, try reading memoirs or talking to someone who has gone through it (and doesn’t mind discussing the subject lah). Fortunately for us, they say the most significant life event that could happen is believing in Christ and knowing God! (can anyone tell me the Scriptural basis for that statement?)

Where? (Sources)

l Existing scripts—Christian and secular (library and internet, and our own script pool if we can compile it)

When you find a script, ask yourself—

What is the message?

Is the message Biblical? Will it edify/evangelise? What is the take-home message? Does it build people up in Christ? E.g. the dialogue: Elijah and the prophets of Baal

Is the presentation good/interesting? If not, can I take the idea and adapt it?

l Books—Christian books/biographies/memoirs/studies give us background info and context and understanding of issues and people.

l Sermons and messages—you know how sometimes pastors use illustrations and stories in their sermons? Online messages like those from Ravi Zacharias Ministries can help in illuminating the issues too.

l THE BIBLE!! And commentaries/study guides can be useful because they help us understand the passage and apply it.

l Personal lessons/funny or sad or meaningful experiences/dilemmas

How? (to prepare :P)

1. What is the subject/theme/event? (Mooncake Festival Puppet show? Children’s Item? Outreach for youths?)

2. Target audience (Children? Adults? Christian? Non-Christian? Skeptics?)

3. time available (for preparation and actual performance time)

4. cast/resources available (gospel recounts tend to need more guys in the cast, lighting and stage), costumes/props…

When? Upcoming events

Sunday sermon Children’s Item! Upcoming: (need not be on the sermon topic)

26 Oct (Daniel 4-5)

30 Nov (Daniel 12, The End Times)

21 Dec (year end sermon)

Tuition min—School-term Fridays 8ish pm

BB/GB min has storytelling time every Saturday at 9am.

next meeting

ok i perceive that ppl don't check back here :b -if- the room booking goes thru, it's 1.30pm at L3 room 2 this sunday 24 aug 08. DY will be talking to us about The Origins of Theatre, which will give you a good overview.

just to recap, here is the list of stuff we were to go thru (ignore the dates heh):
15/6 Performance Basics
22/6 Voice Training
29/6 Elements of Storytelling
6/7 Stories of the Bible
13/7 Interaction and Cooperation onstage and off

27/7 Getting Ideas (plots and characters)
3/8 Getting into Character
10/8 Making a Point: Evangelism and Drama
17/8 review: Videos
24/8 review: Scripts
31/8 Writing Lab/Improv Practice

i think we haven't done the stuff in bold yet. here's the thing: given the lack of time left for leisurely training, we were thinking this is what we'll do in future sessions: actors go with pete, scriptwriters come with me or brainstorm on your own, basically to practise acting/writing separately. any suggestions or ideas let us know!

-lo

sheepish

heh i'm sorry for the lack of update-- VENUE for this sunday's meeting (1.30pm)
yet to be confirmed.

just checking-- does Christabel or Marilyn read this? reply if you do, so i can upload scanned docs of the scripts i wanted to pass you xP

i hope to post an updated list of what we're going to teach in the weeks ahead (September is coming much sooner than i had wanted it to) Your opinion-- what would you like to learn/do? pls tag or post if you have ideas :)

sorry!

-lois

Skip to my Lou!

This post is specifically to update Lois! (The rest can see also la, but you know this stuff already ma)

First of, how's things over there? Or are you back already? Nvm, everyone say hi to Lois!

Everyone: HI!!!!!!! *Fart*

Right.

Anyways, ya this Aug 31 i've entrusted to two happy volunteers to write the script for: Marilyn and Cristabel (on my phone book, becos i dunno how to spell, her name is "Crystalbell")

Since it's a children's talk, and it's on Teacher's Day, its kinda obvious we should do something on Teacher's Day. So we're waiting for them to come up with some ideas and we'll talk more on Sunday. Like i said, don't need to come up with anything concrete yet, just discuss. But if your on fire and have done so, by all means.

The following are our other dates for Children's Talk:

26-Oct, 30 Nov and 21 Dec.

On other news: Yee Qing and Priscilla has officially joined us as... actors right? Right. So ya.

Oh we also went through homework for the girls team and let me say again, you guys did well, and im proud of ya.

I liked: Your enthusiasm and how you tried to bring out the characters.

Things to work on: Stage awareness (how you move, stand, etc), and voice PROJECTION!!!

Next week is Who Died auditions so don't have meeting, next time is Herman the German and Elijah the Prop's turn to present.

Oh ya, finally, Terence has approached me to put up a skit for the Princess Elizabeth Boys Brigade, and I said yes!!!

... You cool with that? :)

He's gonna give me a date and topic soon, so hold on to your armchairs.

Until then!

An email from Daiyan:

In conjunction with TheatreWorks 24-Hour Playwriting Competition 2008 to be held from 2 to 3 Aug at the Eurasian Community house, Dr Robin Loon, Associate Artistic Director (Writers' Lab) will talk on "How to write a play in 24 hours" at:

Venue: Marine Parade Community Library, Activity Room Level 2, 278 Marine Parade Road Date: 19 July 2008, Saturday Time: 3pm to 4.30pm

Venue: Bedok Community Library, Programme Zone, 21 Bedok North Street 1 Date: 20 July 2008, Sunday Time: 3pm to 4.30pm

Interested participants should register for the talks by tel 63198724 or 63198739 or email Janice_SEAH@pa.gov.sg. These talks are presented by South East Community Development Council (CDC) in partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC) and National Library Board (NLB), as part of South East District Arts Festival 2008 - ARTXpressions efforts to promote a culture of arts appreciation in the heartlands.

PS: Registration for the 24-Hour Playwriting Competition 2008 closes on 20 July 2008. If you are interested to participate in the competition, and have not done so, you may also register for it after the talk.




Sounds really good... but i know it's kinda short notice, so i'll just see the response first. Otherwise, it's business as usual this sunday. Oh, there is meeting this sunday, in case you dunno.

Cheers.