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STANDARDIZING THE PLAYWRITING FORMAT 

We want to convey our plays as clearly and as concisely to each reader (actor, director, literary manager, artistic director) as we can.  To that end, standardizing our typing format will help allow the reader’s eye to flow from character to character easily. This format also helps the literary manager to gauge the time it takes to perform the play.  Using this standard, each page lasts approximately one to one and one-half minutes.  Therefore, a 60-page play would last approximately 90 minutes.  Here are some hints/rules regarding formatting.  See the example below. 

1. Please use a point size of 12 and a readable font (we recommend Times New Roman or Helvetica). 
2. The names of characters should be capitalized and centered before their lines (not along the left margin).
3. Dialogue should be justified along the left margin only (not centered). 
4. Stage directions should be placed between parentheses on a separate line and indented at least one tab from the left margin.  You may decide to italicize these stage directions as well.
5. There should be a double space between each character’s lines.

EXAMPLE: 

NANCY

Did I tell you that I saw John last night?  Well, I did, and it was…Well....

(NANCY pulls out a gun from her bag.)

I thought I’d better protect myself.   
 

LUCY

Nancy, a gun is serious business! 
 

NANCY

Don’t you think I know it?  And he had that Susan woman with him. 
 

(LUCY turns her back on NANCY and stifles a smile.) 
 

LUCY

Oh, you mean that redhead he brought with him to Joseph’s? 
 

NANCY

Yeah, that same one.