The Door Slam Play
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If you are having trouble with creating a new play idea or building a setting for your play, the Door Slam Play activity might be your portal to a new play! This activity is also useful if images or visuals benefit you when you write.
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There is a printable version of this activity that you can download.
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You will need…
STEP ONE:
Look at pictures of interesting doors, and choose one picture of a door that grabs your attention.
If you are using the Door Slam Guide, we have included several pictures for you to choose from! You are also welcome to do a quick internet search for images of unique doors.
- A writing utensil (pen/pencil and paper, or a computer)
- Images of interesting doors (we have included three on our Door Slam Guide printout!)
STEP ONE:
Look at pictures of interesting doors, and choose one picture of a door that grabs your attention.
If you are using the Door Slam Guide, we have included several pictures for you to choose from! You are also welcome to do a quick internet search for images of unique doors.
STEP TWO:
Take a moment and study your door, and all the details your image has to offer. What time and place might lie behind this door? Write down several details that describe the time and place you are imagining.
STEP THREE:
As you continue to consider your door and the setting that lives behind it, also consider: who are three characters you could imagine living in that time and place? List and describe three characters who live beyond your door.
STEP FOUR:
Taking your setting and characters into consideration, what are three problematic interactions or conflicts you might expect to see? Write down your three ideas for potential conflicts!
STEP FIVE:
Reread your ideas for conflicts, and circle/mark your favorite idea.
STEP SIX:
Consider your three characters and your chosen conflict. What are three choices any of your characters might make to try to make this situation, your conflict, better? Write these choices down!
STEP SEVEN:
Consider your three characters and your chosen conflict. What are three choices any of your characters might make that could make this situation, your conflict, worse? Write these choices down!
STEP EIGHT:
Now that you have characters, setting, and conflict, you can begin writing your play! Imagine, the door you have chosen opens. Treat the opening of your door like the act of a curtain rising, and your play is beginning! Begin a scene that takes place in the middle of the conflict you have selected. Option: your first stage direction is, “The door opens. Behind it…”.
©Philadelphia Young Playwrights 2020
Take a moment and study your door, and all the details your image has to offer. What time and place might lie behind this door? Write down several details that describe the time and place you are imagining.
STEP THREE:
As you continue to consider your door and the setting that lives behind it, also consider: who are three characters you could imagine living in that time and place? List and describe three characters who live beyond your door.
STEP FOUR:
Taking your setting and characters into consideration, what are three problematic interactions or conflicts you might expect to see? Write down your three ideas for potential conflicts!
STEP FIVE:
Reread your ideas for conflicts, and circle/mark your favorite idea.
STEP SIX:
Consider your three characters and your chosen conflict. What are three choices any of your characters might make to try to make this situation, your conflict, better? Write these choices down!
STEP SEVEN:
Consider your three characters and your chosen conflict. What are three choices any of your characters might make that could make this situation, your conflict, worse? Write these choices down!
STEP EIGHT:
Now that you have characters, setting, and conflict, you can begin writing your play! Imagine, the door you have chosen opens. Treat the opening of your door like the act of a curtain rising, and your play is beginning! Begin a scene that takes place in the middle of the conflict you have selected. Option: your first stage direction is, “The door opens. Behind it…”.
©Philadelphia Young Playwrights 2020
