Someday I Hope to Write a Screenplay

My husband and I attended the theatre to see a local stage production of The Hobbit over the weekend.  We both truly enjoyed it.  It was the second play he and I have seen in three months.  Now we’re both hooked on seeing more.  (Prior to this year, it had been several years since we fit performing arts into our busy schedule of full-time working parents – way too long!)

Truthfully I’ve always enjoyed going to and seeing shows at the theatre.  My dream is to one day write a screenplay that could come to life in the theatre.

I’m not real interested in making a film for the Oscar’s or even a  documentary for local public broadcasting. I simply fantasize about writing a play that could be performed by local community theatre.

The talent of local individuals in my community is refreshing and surprising.  Many of the actors and actresses in this production of The Hobbit were making their debut.  I could not have guessed that as I thought they were extremely gifted and professionally taught.

Besides the acting, the stage was incredible too.  The sets were beautiful and well crafted.  The stage was well lit and arranged.  Every detail was carefully planned and executed in my humble opinion.

The experience has sparked me to once again dust off the draft I began writing months ago for turning a story into a play.  I want to obtain the theatre schedule of all the productions in my local area and see how many I can attend.  I’m fortunate to work near a Performing Arts Center so I intend to visit them for inspiration and advice.

I love being around and working with creative people.  They inspire me to do more and be more.

I try to think of other screenplays I’ve enjoyed over the years.  I went through a period when I was really into Neil Simon plays.  I read a dozen or more of his works.  I love the dialogue he uses and how you learn so much about his characters by what they reveal in conversation.  So much is inferred rather than using long, detailed paragraphs of explanation.  I like his style a lot.

It’s time for me to put my plan into action, stop talking and dreaming about it.  Make it happen.

Perhaps by sharing this post and putting it out there, I will do just that.  Each week I can take a small step toward making my fantasy a reality.  I’ll keep you posted on my progress and any other theatre productions I attend and feel inspired by.