Do you prefer to write for the stage or for the screen?

[MarionRivers]

I've written scripts for both (not that anything's been done with them in any serious way), and from my experience I have to say that I have a far easier time writing a stageplay than I do a screenplay.

I think the reason comes down to this:
Plays allow much more freedom in terms of scene length, and they allow much freedom in terms of dialogue style.

Whereas in screenplays, generally a single scene can't go on for too long, unless of course it has a lot of action and different parts to it, in a stageplay, a single scene can be as long or as short as the writer wants without feeling awkward. Many straight stageplays only have around two to four scenes.

In terms of dialogue, I feel that when I try to write something for screen, I can't include soliloquies, tangential musings/converesations, and abstract speech patterns with nearly as much success as I can have in stageplays.

When a play is filmed into a movie, you can usually tell, because there tends to be something about it that doesn't feel quite right, just a bit awkward, and that has to do with the transition of mediums. Unlike some conceptions, what works best in theatre and what works best on television or in the movies, is not the same at all. The two styles of writing have vastly different conventions that require different skills.

For me, a stageplay just rolls off my hands. I can finish a full-length first draft in less than a day, if I stick to it, and have. A screenplay generally takes more effort. How about you?

[Noah Body]

Screen. Bigger canvas and all that.

[icerose]

I don't think in terms of a small stage, I think more visually, more movie terms. I think it takes a certain gift to be able to tell your story in a lively and entertaining manner with only a few props and a handful of actors on a small stage. I just do not work that way. I wouldn't even know how to begin.

Nope, it's Screenplays and Novels for me.

[Hillgate]

I think you have to rely much more on dialogue and less on action for a stage-play. I think it's easier to write a stage-play. Fewer scenes, and definitely easier to get made:)

[bison]

I think it goes to what Icerose said. Screenplays are a much broader canvas, but, therefore EASIER to work with.
The limitations of stage work require much more insight into a scene. To make it work without the special effects of cinema or location shooting, or retakes, or closeups, etc. etc. is much more difficult.

[padnar]

I think screenplays are more financially benifical than play .
I am not mercenary but what are your views ?
padma

[endless rewrite]

Screenplays pay far better, TV pays even better but the odds of getting your work produced on stage is much higher. I know a few professional screenwriters and almost all of those started off writing for theatre. If you have what it takes it is a great way to build contacts, get professional production credits and hone your dialogue and characterization skills. But it is a hard business too and you have to passionate about it and not just see theatre as a stepping stone.

My stage writing directly led to some TV and radio work, meetings, development work etc and got me a good agent who deals with some theatre but whose main focus is TV and screenwriters. It is also a great way to learn about writing for actors and working with directors and even without a full commission there is still opportunity to workshop your writing and hear your script read and develop further drafts.

I find that in the UK there is a lot of flexibility and movement in the script writing business and it is the norm for writers to move between film, TV, theatre and radio drama rather than the exception. The irony is that though playwriting earns you the most kudos it pays the worse pay for the time and work involved. I am currently trying out for a job writing on a soap, if I get it, one 24 minute episode written in 2-3 weeks will pay (with repeat fees) three times more than the Guild rate for a play which could easily take 18 months from commission to production. Soap writers can earn in excess of £120 000 a year - easily - if you have two plays a year commissioned which is a high rate you would earn about £13 000 and it would be a good record and it is more realistic to have one commissioned a year. You don't write for the stage to get rich but that is the area I am most happiest in and the one where writers get the most respect, you don't deal with script editors, nobody gives your script to somebody else to improve or cut and you are in the process as a priority all the way through. When I go see a play I always know who has written it, I often don't know that with a film or TV show.

[padnar]

Best of luck with your soap opera endless write
padma

[aspiringwriter]

I've only written screenplays, never a play. Although I think it would be a challenge for a play. Here in my hometown we have, like others I'm sure, local theater groups. My goal for 2009 is to either write a screenplay or stage play. With a stage play and the local scene, it's not about the money but more or less the exposure.

With stage plays do you have to do into detail about the setting? i.e. where objects are located, that kind of thing.

[Mandy-Jane]

I'm a bit interested that everyone seems to be treating stageplays and screenplays as though they are almost the same thing. Even though they're scripts and require actors, doesn't mean they're even comparable. It's kinda' like comparing a novel with a short story. They're different.

I've always considered myself a playwright (with little success!), but I would never even dream of thinking it meant that I could also write a screenplay. Maybe I'm not ambitious enough but I just don't see how you can group the two together like that.

[lexxi]

With stage plays do you have to do into detail about the setting? i.e. where objects are located, that kind of thing.

Only if it's important to the plot. Or maybe if you have very specific visual symbolism in mind.

Otherwise, expect that each production team will come up with a set design that works in their particular stage space and that the use of props will depend very much on what stage business the actors and directors come up with during the rehearsal process.